Dolce & Gabanna

 Dolce (George), a Red River Hog, was born in 2003 made Cango Wildlife Ranch a permanent home in 2006 – being in our dedicated care for the past 12 years. Gabanna, an African Bushpig, was rescued by a farmer and brought to us as a tiny piglet in 2013. Her family was killed by feral dogs, and she also barley survived the attack. The unlikely pair who became best friends, have been roommates since Gabanna’s arrival, a one-of-a-kind friendship, to say the least.

Sadly, they were diagnosed with an intrusive skin condition over 5 years ago, and thus far, all our attempts of treatment have been unsuccessful. Treatment started in February 2013 and we have tried over 14 different types of medication. Our on-call veterinary has consulted with leading pig experts from around the world, and sadly, to date, to no avail. Currently, the skin condition causes them to itch, and excessive itching leads to them scratching themselves until they hurt. Consistent and prolonged medical treatment such as they are receiving, has a negative effect on their organs, and has an impact on their internal organs. To their caretakers, it is heart-wrenching to see, and to them, it must be have been close to unbearable. 

After a lifetime of care, and 5 years of unsuccessful treatment of an intrusive and invasive skin condition, our Ethics committee, currently comprising of six key representatives (including our veterinary), called for an urgent meeting to discuss their quality of life. The most important factors taken into consideration in such a discussion, is firstly life quality and the wellbeing of an animal. The vote was unanimous – with the treatments not being effective and the after effects becoming more distressing and more of a concern to their long-term general health, we have had to euthanize both Dolce and Gabanna. 

They have been a big part of our family, and our team is devastated, but relieved at the same time. Their presence will be sorely missed, and their contribution to education of thousands of visitors, learners and tourists during their lifetimes, will be their legacy forever. We are sad to say that they are now at peace.