Quick-thinking tourist stops wildlife trafficking attempt of a pangolin in Laos

A tourist has helped stop an illegal wildlife trafficking attempt in Laos after discovering a live Sunda pangolin hidden inside a cardboard box while on a minivan tour – triggering a rapid rescue response from wildlife conservation organisation Free the Bears and the local authorities.

The dramatic rescue unfolded on the afternoon of Friday 13 March, when the tourist (anonymised for safety) contacted Free the Bears mid-bus ride between Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang.

His tour bus driver had stopped at a remote house to collect a sealed cardboard box with breathing holes punched into the sides.

Concerned, the tourist discreetly opened the box and discovered a live pangolin curled tightly, trapped inside a net.

Realising the animal was likely being trafficked, he immediately emailed Free the Bears, with photos, video and the phone numbers written on the box.

The message read “I want to report an urgent wildlife trafficking situation that is happening right now.”

Within minutes, the message was picked up by the Free the Bears team who began coordinating with enforcement officers to intercept the minivan before it could reach its destination.

As the vehicle entered Luang Prabang, authorities were able to confiscate the pangolin, preventing it from entering the illegal wildlife trade.

The rescued animal was then transferred into the care of the Free the Bears team at Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary, receiving an immediate veterinary assessment. Carers worked late into the night to ensure the animal was stabilised and safely settled into the sanctuary’s purpose-built pangolin facility.

The pangolin is now under the close supervision of sanctuary staff, with 24-hour monitoring via CCTV while the team assesses its condition and determine the next steps for its care.

The brave tourist has since shared his experience of the rescue.

“I love animals, and after spending nearly eight hours with a pangolin at my feet, I knew one thing for certain – that animal deserved a chance to survive,” he said.

“I know that pangolins are facing extinction, and I couldn’t let this poor animal end up in the trade if I could help it.

“I was texting Free the Bears as we were driving, who told me that the local authorities had been informed and were following my location. My hands were sweating – I know about the illegal wildlife trade and I was so relieved when the police intercepted the van.

“When I received a video from Free the Bears of the pangolin safe at the rescue centre later that night, it was a very emotional moment. I’m so grateful that the pangolin is now in the safe hands of people who dedicate their lives to protecting wildlife.”

CEO of Free the Bears, Matt Hunt, said he was incredibly proud of the efforts of all involved to save this precious pangolin.

“This is an extraordinary example of teamwork between a concerned member of the public, our staff on the ground, and Lao authorities,” said Matt Hunt, CEO of Free the Bears.

“It shows how powerful one person speaking up can be, because without that email this pangolin may have been lost to the wildlife trade forever.

“Our team acted quickly, but this rescue started with an observant tourist who cared enough to report what he saw.”

Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world, heavily targeted for their scales and meat in the illegal wildlife trade.

Free the Bears has rescued several pangolin from the illegal trade in recent years, rehabilitating them at the multi-species Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary and releasing many back to the wild.

“Wildlife traffickers rely on secrecy,” Matt Hunt said.

“When people speak up, it helps organisations like ours and the authorities to intervene and save that animal, giving them a second chance at life in the wild.”

Travellers and members of the public in Laos can report suspected wildlife trafficking through the national wildlife crime hotline on 1601.

Free the Bears also encourages people to contact them directly if they encounter bears being trafficked or kept illegally.