The first-ever Chinese pangolin to be born in Europe was delivered at the Prague Zoo, making history for the critically endangered species in captivity. The baby, a female nicknamed “Little Cone” because of its resemblance to a spruce cone, arrived on February 2, just before World Pangolin Day, which was celebrated on February 18 this year.
The newborn weighed only 4.76 ounces, whereas adult pangolins can reach up to 15 pounds. In the first few days after its birth, Little Cone lost weight, which worried zookeepers. Upon discovering that its mother was not producing enough milk, they decided to feed the newborn artificially.
However, as Zoo Director Miroslav Bobek explained on the park’s website, “We have only overcome the first difficulties and there are still more to come. Hopefully everything will end well.”
The Chinese pangolin, a scaly anteater, is indigenous to the northern Indian subcontinent, northern parts of Southeast Asia, and southern China.
Due to massive poaching, it is on the endangered species list. Its meat is consumed by the people of China, and its scales are utilized in traditional Chinese medicine.
»Chinese pangolin born at Prague Zoo made history as first of its species to be born in Europe«
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