The above photograph, which has been used as part of the United for Wildlife series of stamps in the United Kingdom, is of a pangolin rescued by The Tikki Hywood Foundation. Her name is Mambokadzi (which means ‘Queen’ in Ndebele). She weighed 9kgs on arrival. This photograph was taken on 14th October 2012, the day she was released back into the wild, this image is of her walking free.
This poignant moment was captured by renowned, award winning photographer, Hilary O’Leary, who has been directly involved in incredible conservation stories and successes throughout her career.
Lisa Hywood, CEO and Founder of The Tikki Hywood Foundation says. “It is an amazing achievement to have one’s photograph chosen as part of a global awareness campaign, trying to fight against the extinction of species such as the pangolin. We are very proud of our home grown Zimbabwean, Hilary O’Leary whose pangolin photo was chosen for this Commemorative Stamp and that the pangolin was our rescue, Mambokadzi. Hilary was present at her release and managed to capture those precious moments of when an animal realises that they are finally free.
United for Wildlife is one of many projects created by The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. Led by The Duke of Cambridge and with the help of ambassadors from around the world and key partner organisations, it unites the world’s leading wildlife charities under a common purpose: to create a global movement for change.
“Africa – She is delightfully chaotic, a beautiful mess and loving her is a splendid adventure.” Hilary O’Leary.