Prague Zoo welcomes second pangolin ever born in Europe

Prague Zoo's efforts to breed pangolin continue to see success as the zoo welcomed the second pangolin ever born in Europe earlier this week. The newborn, weighing 141 grams without its umbilical cord at birth, was delivered late Monday night to parents Run Hou Tang and Guo Bao.

This latest news follows the birth of Šiška, who become the first pangolin ever born in Europe in February last year. Breeding pangolins in captivity is notoriously challenging due to their specific dietary and environmental needs.

“The second European baby pangolin was born five days later than expected," Prague Zoo director Miroslav Bobek stated through a press release.

"This date was calculated following our experience with the birth of Šiška. This is in line with the fact that it weighs more, is visibly more developed, and more active. It is trying to suckle its mother's milk, however, there is the likelihood that it will have to be fed artificially, as was the case with Šiška.”

Yesterday, the zoo released the first video footage of the new baby pangolin, which showcases the tiny creature just days after its birth on July 1. The zoo also shared the news that the baby is currently thriving, and still being nursed by mother Run Hou Tang without the need for artificial feeding.

“Keep your fingers crossed for the baby and its keepers to ensure this positive progress continues,” Bobek writes.

“Like the first pangolin bred in Europe, the famous female Šiška, this second pangolin born on Monday night undergoes daily weigh-ins every morning and afternoon. Monitoring its weight is crucial to determine if artificial feeding is needed.”

Pangolins are critically endangered due to illegal hunting for their meat and scales. However, Prague Zoo has made remarkable progress in their breeding program, thanks to a collaborative effort with Taipei Zoo and their experienced breeders.

Prague Zoo is the second zoo in Europe to house pangolins, having received the pair in 2022 from Taipei Zoo through a partnership between Prague and the Taiwanese capital. The zoo’s breeding success highlights their dedication to conservation efforts for this critically endangered species.

The Indonesian Jungle Pavilion at Prague Zoo remains open, but the exhibit housing the mother and her newborn is temporarily covered to allow them to rest undisturbed. The zoo will provide updates to the public on social media when the exhibit with the newborn pangolin will be uncovered for viewing.