Pangolin Documentary Aims to Save the World’s Most Trafficked Mammal

A new Netflix documentary is set to make pangolins the center of global attention. Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey premiered on April 21, 2025—just in time for World Earth Day. Directed by Academy Award-winner Pippa Ehrlich, known for My Octopus Teacher, the film traces the emotional path of Kulu, a young pangolin rescued from illegal wildlife trade and rehabilitated back into the wild.

According to BBC Wildlife Magazine’s Summer Rylander, this isn’t just another nature film. Ehrlich’s storytelling weaves a tale of resilience, trust, and recovery, following Kulu and his dedicated caregiver, Gareth Thomas, through a year-long journey at South Africa’s Pangolarium—the world’s first pangolin rehabilitation facility.

Pangolins are gentle, scale-covered mammals and tragically hold the title of the world’s most trafficked wild animal. Often hunted for their scales and meat, they face a rapid slide toward extinction. But the film’s creators hope that Kulu’s story will be a turning point. “This film tells a story of love, trust, and understanding,” Ehrlich said, adding that she hopes it will help viewers “see the beauty and importance of these extraordinary animals.”

Alexis Kriel, co-chair of the African Pangolin Working Group (APWG), says the documentary could be a cultural tipping point: “This is a level of public awareness that has the potential to spark a tide of conversations and a public will to change the outcome for this animal.”

If enough people watch, care, and act, this could be the moment pangolins finally get the global protection they deserve.

Watch the documentary, learn more, and talk about it. Most importantly—choose compassion over consumption. Say no to wildlife trafficking and Support vegan, wildlife-safe choices every day.

Video Source: Netflix/Youtube

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