Kulu’s story has left a very real imprint on the hearts of everyone who has already watched his documentary, but if you have not seen it yet, we have the scoop on why you should watch it next!
South Africa (22 April 2025) – Tears, moments of magic and sheer fascination are what was felt while watching the new Pippa Ehrlich documentary called ‘Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey’ on Netflix.
The heartwarming documentary features a tiny little pangolin, named Kulu, rescued from the animal trafficiking trade in a sting operation. He is then swept away to safety and spends the next 7 months recovering, learning to be a pangolin again and gaining weight so he can be strong enough to be released into the wild.
Having spent the past 8 years of my career at Good Things Guy writing about the plight of the species, I too realised that I have never known much about a pangolin, beyond that they need saving and which organisations are making that happen. In that time I have learned what they are used for and that they are incredible sensitive.
Being given this chance to learn more, to learn about their symbiotic relationships with ants and termites, both as a food source and helper to other ant species, to watching them walk bipedally and learning that they do not have vocal cords and can tie their tongues in knots – I feel like I have been given a gift. A piece of knowledge I didn’t know I needed, something you have to see, to believe. Watching Kulu’s journey taught me so many things, but more than anything, that we need to keep fighting for his kind here in South Africa and globally!
Much like Gareth Thomas, who was Kulu’s carer and co-star, I have never seen a pangolin in the wild. I hope to, one day, and I know when I do, it will be a moment of tears and of magic! But to make sure that happens, we need to protect them.
The African Pangolin Working Group (APWG) played a pivotal role in the rehabilitation and release of Kulu, and thanks to his success story, they have been able to establish their very own pangolin veterinary and rehabilitation facility, which is known as The Pangolarium. Nestled away from prying eyes, the facility is surrounded by some of Limpopo’s most beautiful wild spaces, which makes for the perfect pangolin home.
South Africans are united in making sure this precious species is protected, and we love seeing all the good things happening right here in South Africa. People are taking action and this documentary is about to give the Pangolin cause a whole new set of eyes and supporters. And all I can do is sigh with relief and say, at last!
If you have not seen the documentary yet, you simply have to add it to your watchlist. With the weather glooming up and us being more inclined to stay indoors, now is the perfect time to watch the African bush in all its glory and the story of survival unfold in a beautifully put-together documentary about a scally little pangolin named Kulu.
Pippa, who also captured the Oscar-winning ‘My Octopus Teacher’ beautifully weaves the story of Kulu and Gareth, how they work tirelessly to make sure Kulu is strong enough to fend for himself. It is a powerful story, one that will bring tears to your eyes and fill your heart with hope.
We spoke to some of the team involved in the documentary, and they are all excited about the release to the global community, filled with hope for what it means for the species and for all the groups working to protect it right here in South Africa.
“There are many stories about pangolin conservation that could be told. This one brings a spotlight to pangolins themselves. We hope that through the movie that people will fall in love with them and that everyone in pangolin conservation benefits – that all the people out there doing excellent work to save this species, will be discovered and supported, by the wave of pangolin love that this movie creates.” – Alexis Kriel, APWG co-chair.
“My hope is that through ‘Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey’, people can connect with the spirit of Pangolin and recognize the life force we all share. It is more than just a species – it is a connection with all life.” – Gareth Thomas, Kulu’s Carer and Walker.
“Lapalala Wilderness is privileged to play its role pangolin rehabilitation and reintroduction, and is honoured to join a group of other protected areas in Southern Africa that have led the way in play in providing safe spaces for these incredibly special animals.” – Glenn Phillips, Lapalala Wilderness CEO
Curious to know more, take a look at the trailer below. The documentary is now available to stream on Netflix.
by 