Ozzy, the rescued Terrier Cross, has become a hero, donating 100ml of his blood to save Roma the Pangolin and her unborn baby.
Johannesburg, South Africa (07 July 2024) — Ozzy will soon be a household name. The hero pup donated 100ml of blood to help save a pangolin in grave medical danger. Roma, a rescued pangolin, was the victim of poaching, and in the week leading up to her rescue, she was severely compromised medically. In a touch-and-go moment, Ozzy became her life-saving hero.
According to the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital, Ozzy is a rescue dog adopted by Dr K, and he is well on his way to becoming the team’s mascot. The adorable terrier-cross was all tail wags when he got the chance to save a life.
Roma was brought in after being removed from Poachers. It was clear she was severely compromised, and then the team made the shocking discovery that she was also pregnant. Time was of the essence, and then she took a turn!
“The illegal trade in wildlife is rife in South Africa and little Roma, the Temminck’s pangolin, is its latest victim.
Weeks without food or water in the hands of her poachers left her emaciated, severely dehydrated and absolutely terrified. Rushed to our hospital, the team fought to stabilize her and discovered during ultrasound that it was two lives they were fighting for as the little female pangolin was pregnant.
Today Roma’s stats plummeted and with two little lives on the line Dr K decided that the only way to try and save them was to perform an emergency blood transfusion. Without access to fresh pangolin blood, Ozzy, her rescued terrier cross, was the closest match and became both the blood donor and the hero of the day!”
It must be made clear that a blood donation of this nature should only be done if there is no other alternative and it is an emergency. There were risks to going this route, but doing nothing was also a risk. The team took the chance and is hoping it helps stabilise Roma. Dogs can donate blood to save lives and often do – people just don’t know about it, we have shared a few stories in the past which you can read here.
“Roma received 100ml of Ozzy’s blood and although this is not a permanent solution, it could just buy the precious time needed to get the pangolin blood she so desperately needs.
Our heartfelt thanks to you brave little Ozzy dog – it is a steak supper for you!
Your support means the world to us and ensures that the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital can continue the fight to save Roma, her unborn pup and other rescued victims of wildlife trafficking.”
The team treats indigenous wildlife free of charge, relying solely on the community’s support. If you would like to get involved, you can find details below or check out the website here.
Johannesburg Wildlife NPC
FNB Cheque account
Account nr: 62658400264
Branch code: 255355
Swift code: FIRNZAJJ
Or via SnapScan: https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/PXMP5766
Or via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/joburgwildlifevet
Or via PayFast: https://www.payfast.co.za/donate/go/shop.johannesburgwildlifevet.com
by 