We’re all at the edge of our seats waiting for ‘Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey’ (directed by the same powerhouse who brought us ‘My Octopus Teacher’) to air. In the meantime, the trailer has been revealed, and you won’t want to miss it!
Global (03 April 2025) — We’re all waiting with bated breath until 21 April arrives and ‘Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey’ hits screens on Netflix.
The documentary, directed by the legend Pippa Ehrlich (who also gave us the Oscar-winning ‘My Octopus Teacher) is set to take us into the world of a South African pangolin named Kulu and the incredible bond Kulu formed with Gareth Thomas.
Gareth helped rehabilitate the little pangolin after a sting operation, and played an invaluable role in saving the life of a member of a species for whom the stakes have never been higher.
Like ‘My Octopus Teacher’, ‘Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey’ highlights the bond between one human and animal duo to tell a bigger story—that of the pangolin species’ plight.
Ancient, innocent and under threat, the pangolin family are at a critical juncture regarding their time on this planet; a position humans have largely put them in.
There’s little doubt that the doccie is going to call for tissues. But hopefully, after the heat of our emotions, we’ll all understand a little more about the animals who, despite their armoured appearance, need a lot more human intervention and care to protect their futures.
Watch: The Trailer for Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey’
Got Questions? Here’s Are Some Answers
Why are pangolins trafficked and why are so many poached?
The animal is largely poached for its scales, based on the unfounded belief that they have medicinal value in different cultures. There is no scientific evidence to support these beliefs.
Additionally, pangolin meat is considered a delicacy in parts of Asia.
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As for why so many are poached, greed drives poachers, and if an animal is easy to catch (once it is found, of course), it’s signals a big pay day at the cost of a species.
Pangolins end up in the illegal wildlife trade without much resistance from the animal due to its shy and subdued in nature. This means that it does not take the offence when encountering danger (unlike other animals who will attack). Instead, the pangolin curls up into a ball of ‘armour’, which makes it an easy target for humans.
There are 8 different pangolin species across the world. Four are found on the Asian continent:
- Indian pangolin
- the Chinese (Formosan) pangolin
- the Malayan (Sunda) pangolin
- The Palawan (Phillipine) pangolin
Then, there are four species found in Africa:
- Temminck’s ground pangolin
- Giant ground pangolin
- Black-bellied pangolin
- White-bellied pangolin
How close are pangolins to being extinct?
Pangolins are ancient animals, so the thought of their extinction is jarring, to say the least. The species rank differently per the IUCN Red List (International Union for Conservation of Nature), but all are threatened, and all populations are reported as decreasing.
Critically Endangered:
- Chinese, Sunda and Philippine pangolins
Endangered:
- Indian pangolin, white-bellied pangolin, giant-ground pangolin
Vulnerable:
- Black-bellied pangolin
- Temminck’s ground pangolin
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