SINGAPORE \u2013 A male pangolin called Berani that underwent the world\u2019s first known musculoskeletal surgery of its kind seven years ago to fix a fractured thigh bone has died.<\/p>\n
Berani was a Sunda pangolin, which is the world\u2019s most trafficked mammal. His death was made public in a Facebook post by Mandai Wildlife Reserve on Sept 15.<\/p>\n
Berani was rescued in 2018 and later underwent a pioneering orthopaedic operation on the hind leg, said his keeper, Mr Shahnom, in the video in the Facebook post. The injury was linked to a motor accident.<\/p>\n
He added that Berani had remained in Mandai\u2019s care since.<\/p>\n
Recently, the Sunda pangolin underwent five months of intensive treatment after being diagnosed with a rare autoimmune skin disease, said Mr Shahnom.<\/p>\n
However, Berani\u2019s health took a turn for the worse, he said, and the difficult decision to let him go had to be made.<\/p>\n
In the Facebook post, Mandai Wildlife Reserve said: \u201cTrue to his name, which means brave in Malay, Berani lived up to it in every way…<\/p>\n
\u201cFarewell, our brave little warrior. Your spirit lives on, inspiring us in every step we take to protect the critically endangered Sunda pangolin.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the end of the two-minute video, Mr Shahnom said: \u201cBerani will always be remembered. He will remain the most beautiful memory in my life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Source: The Straits Times \u00a9 SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction<\/a><\/p>\n