Despite the link between coronavirus and animal pathogens, endangered wild animals such as the pangolins are still at high risk of being trafficked and smuggled.

To spark conversations in the community, improve understanding and encourage engagement with efforts to halt the illegal wildlife trade, the Environmental Reporting Collective is hosting an online conversation series under the Wildlife Study Group series, focusing on pangolins. 

The series kicks off with a “full moon” party to celebrate Malaysia’s first captive-born baby pangolin. Baby ‘Corona’ will be present via video link to “meet” guests, while her caretaker will be on hand to discuss the challenges of raising these shy, highly-endangered animals in captivity.

Malaysia’s Wildlife Department (Perhilitan) director general Dato’ Kadir Abu Hashim, Perhilitan head of research Dr Jeffrine Rovie Ryan Japning, pangolin researcher Dr Chong Ju Lian, and TRAFFIC senior communications officer Elizabeth John will be on hand to join the conversation, moderated by award-winning investigative journalist Ian Yee.

This will be the first of four sessions taking place over a month, designed to encourage sharing from all participants, from wildlife experts and journalists to activists and other enthusiasts. Each session will focus on a different aspect of the illegal wildlife trade.

June 11: Full moon party with Corona the pangolin. Click here to RSVP

June 18: Can farming pangolins curb its illegal trade? Click here to RSVP

June 25: Indigenous Peoples and wildlife conservation in Malaysia  Click here to RSVP

July 2: Traditional Chinese Medicine and the demand for endangered wildlife Click here to RSVP

Join the full moon party with Corona the pangolin, on Thursday, June 11 at 8pm (GMT+8).