Taipei Zoo is responsible for rescuing and sheltering injured wildlife in northern Taiwan. Most injured animals are found by the public, who report them to local animal protection agencies. These agencies then send staff to retrieve the animals. Veterinarians first conduct a basic examination, and if further treatment is needed, the animals are transferred to the zoo or other rescue centers.
If someone finds a pangolin, they should first check if it really needs help. If the pangolin is injured, bleeding, has a broken tail or legs, or is lying motionless on the roadside, it should be placed in a secure container such as a plastic storage box, burlap sack, or bag. Do not use a cardboard box because pangolins can easily tear it apart. Do not feed the pangolin or give it water. If the weather is cold, a towel or clothing can be used to keep it warm. If it is difficult to handle the situation alone, the public should contact the animal protection agency or the fire department for assistance.
After rescue and rehabilitation, the main factor in deciding whether an animal can be released back into the wild is its ability to survive, such as finding food and avoiding predators. If the animal is not ready, further training and care are required. The release and tracking of pangolins have only started in recent years. In the past, due to limited manpower and technology, there was little follow-up after release. However, with advances in technology, pangolins are now fitted with radio transmitters before being released. Researchers use antennas to track them and study how well they adapt after leaving the rescue center.