We Lost a Female Pangolin Run Hou Tang

Run Hou Tang has gone down in the history of the Prague Zoo as an exceptional animal. Photo: Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

The female pangolin was subjected to a number of examinations and was intensively monitored—thanks to a camera system in the exhibition practically continuously. Her health condition and treatment were consulted throughout with our colleagues from the Taipei Zoo in Taiwan, from where the first pair of pangolins came to the Prague Zoo and which has extensive experience in breeding this delicate species. Coincidentally, a veterinarian from there was also on an exchange visit to Prague Zoo at the time, which allowed him to participate in the animal’s treatment directly in Prague. All steps were taken in cooperation with him.

During October, Run Hou Tang’s condition improved and the pangolin began to at least partially eat. Halfway through the month, the female's condition began to fluctuate again, so she was put to sleep again and subjected to further examinations, including the collection of liver tissue. This tissue turned out to be significantly damaged. Considering the experience of foreign colleagues with liver diseases in pangolins—similar problems are described, for example, in a study published in June 2025 on white-bellied pangolins kept in North American zoos—the prognosis was not very promising. Despite further diligent efforts for treatment and several artificial feedings directly into the stomach, Run Hou Tang could not be saved. The final diagnosis will only be determined by a subsequent autopsy. Despite speculation, Run Hou Tang was not pregnant at the time of her death.

Run Hou Tang was born at Taipei Zoo on September 2, 2017. Together with a male named Guo Bao, she came to Prague Zoo in April 2022. In February 2023, she gave birth to a pup, the famous female Šiška. She became the first pangolin to be bred not only in Prague Zoo, but in the whole of Europe. The following year in July, she gave birth to another female named Connie. The presence of Run Hou Tang at Prague Zoo was therefore important not only for the establishment of the breeding of these critically endangered animals, but also for the popularization of pangolins among the Czech public, the raising of awareness about these massively hunted and illegally trafficked mammals and the collection of funds for their protection in the wild. Everyone who had the opportunity to meet our Tang—for example during the Breakfast with Pangolins experience program—fell under the spell of these fascinating and very vulnerable creatures. Knowing the above, it is necessary to add that Run Hou Tang has gone down in the history of the Prague Zoo as an exceptional animal.

Pangolin breeding at Prague Zoo will continue. The European breeding programme (EEP) for this species is coordinated by the aforementioned Taipei Zoo, with whom Prague Zoo is intensively consulting on the current situation.