Support Scales' Conservation Mission

What a whirlwind it's been since our last update! As we dive into 2026, your support has fueled life-saving actions across South Africa's wild landscapes. From dismantling deadly poacher traps to nursing resilient pangolins back to health amid floods and festivities, your contributions have turned challenges into triumphs. We're grateful beyond words for the funds raised so far, which has amplified our partners' efforts in rescuing endangered species and protecting habitats. Every donation has been a beacon of hope, enabling rapid responses to threats and fostering stories of survival that inspire us all.

Picture this: in the rugged outskirts of Hoedspruit, our Snare Crisis Fund teams, partnering with the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Carnivore Conservation Unit, Soldiers for Wildlife, and K9 Conservation, embarked on daring sweeps near wild dog den sites. Over two intense operations, volunteers and anti-poaching dogs patrolled kilometers of dense terrain, removing 20 lethal snares—silent killers targeting antelopes and other vulnerable wildlife. They uncovered active poaching camps littered with hides, utensils, and fresh tracks, a stark reminder of the ongoing battle. In another patrol northwest of town, the team discovered a slaughtered warthog, baboon remains, and a cut cable snare, while spotting a suspicious individual trying to evade notice. These repeated efforts, totaling 39 hours and 72 km covered since mid-2025, have removed 60 snares overall, disrupting poachers and safeguarding species like wild dogs. Meanwhile, at Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue Centre, over 17 owls—barn, wood, and spotted eagle varieties—arrived as orphans or injury victims from collisions and suspected poisonings. With tender care, fluids, and flight training, they're now soaring toward release, their recoveries a testament to the healing power of your support.

Then there are the pangolin tales that tug at the heartstrings. Plum, rescued from traffickers in July, arrived weak and shivering from winter's chill but blossomed under ICU care at Provet Animal Hospital and rehabilitation at Umoya Khulula Wildlife Centre. After gaining weight and mastering foraging, she's thriving in her soft-release phase, monitored weekly as she digs burrows and embraces freedom. Heritage, saved on Heritage Day amid starvation and a hidden spinal infection, endured groundbreaking MRI scans—the first for a pangolin—and 60 days of intensive treatment. Now infection-free and full of spirit, she's prepped for release once tags arrive. And Johnny, a young male pulled from the trade in August, hit his 6kg release weight by January, foraging like a pro despite floods delaying his return to the wild. Heavy rains, dumping over 498mm in Limpopo, caused roadblocks and center damage, but your flood relief contributions have funded repairs to enclosures and roofs at Umoya Khulula and ReWild NPC, keeping animals safe. Reflecting on 2025, your generosity totaled R626,096 across projects, plus festive wish list items like dewormers and trail cameras boosting fieldwork.

As we press forward, we're optimistic about expanding rehabilitation centers and sustaining patrols, all while celebrating these victories. Your partnership is the heartbeat of this mission—together, we're weaving a safer tapestry for South Africa's biodiversity, one rescue and one snare at a time. With endless gratitude and wild enthusiasm, the Scales Conservation Fund Team.