It’s like meeting a rare Pokemon’: Woman spots endangered pangolin wandering around Toa Payoh

A woman’s night out took an unexpected turn when she spotted a rare Sunda pangolin near Toa Payoh MRT station, sharing her encounter on TikTok on August 14. With only about 1,046 of these critically endangered mammals left in Singapore, Sarahmaylow expressed her excitement, stating, “It was like meeting a rare Pokemon!”

The video showcases the Sunda pangolin strolling along the pavement, oblivious to its proximity to the road. Although she did not mention contacting wildlife rescue organizations like Acres, her post went viral, amassing 168,000 views and 12,000 likes.

Commenters on her post were in awe, marveling at the rarity of such a sight in a residential area and calling the pangolin “cute.” In response to their enthusiasm, Low admitted she initially mistook the pangolin for an armadillo, saying, “I was reading about them the past few days.”

However, some viewers expressed concern that by sharing the location of the pangolin, she might inadvertently attract poachers. Others advised that similar sightings should be reported to animal welfare groups to ensure the safety of the endangered species.

Acres confirmed that they did not receive any calls regarding this incident and noted that while sightings of Sunda pangolins in urban areas are rare, they occasionally occur, typically when the animals navigate through underground drainage systems.

The Sunda pangolin, one of eight species worldwide, primarily inhabits Bukit Timah and Central Catchment Nature Reserves in Singapore. The species faces significant threats from urbanization and poaching, as they are sought after for their meat and scales.

For those who encounter a pangolin, it is advised not to panic, as they are shy creatures. Instead, observers should maintain distance, avoid touching or cornering the animal, and report sightings to wildlife organizations.