Operation Pangolin: Saving the World's Only Scaled Mammal

Meet the pangolin—the world’s only scaled mammal.

Their scales serve as armor to fend off predators. Unfortunately, these scales can do nothing to protect them from the biggest threat to their existence: humans. Pangolins are among the most poached animals on the planet. Coveted for their scales, pangolins are swiftly disappearing from the natural landscape in both Africa and Asia. But Thai Van Nguyen has made it his mission to help these unique creatures.

Thai works in Vietnam to rescue poached pangolins, rehabilitate them, and release them safely back into the wild. Pangolin rescuers and researchers such as Thai have the difficult task of saving pangolins, changing local laws to prevent poaching, and educating local communities. Discover what Thai and other experts are learning about these amazing animals as they collaborate with zoos and scientists around the world. Join author and photographer Suzi Eszterhas in this exploration of the jungles of Vietnam, where Thai works with the Save Vietnam's Wildlife organization to save endangered pangolins.