March 18th, 2024

World Pangolin Day found Wise Turtle Acupuncture promoting the cause of pangolin conservation on February 19, 2024. Pangolins are the most trafficked animal in the world. All 8 species of this unique and gentle being are highly endangered. They are trafficked mainly for the use of their scales in “traditional” Chinese medicine. Wise Turtle Acupuncture thinks the profession needs to step up and speak out about this biological and ethical crime.
Pangolin scales are made of keratin (just like your fingernails and rhino horn). But due to ignorance and outmoded ways of thinking, pangolin scales are worth their weight in gold and trafficking has gotten to the point where organized crime is involved on an international level. There are many working to conserve the pangolin, but this is a complex and multi-layered issue. 
Pangolins live secluded and secretive lives. They dine mainly on ants and roll into a ball when threatened. While this may protect them from a lion, a poacher has only to pick them up.
Pangolin scales offer no medicinal value. 
Four species are found in Asia and they are decimated so now the four species in Africa are under horrible siege. Wise Turtle invited you to ask your practitioner about the pangolin, to admire pangolin art in the office and to look up pangolin conservation efforts. We were able to raise $50 on World Pangolin Day to donate to saving this remarkable creature.