A new Netflix documentary is set to make pangolins the center of global attention. Pangolin: Kulu\u2019s Journey premiered on April 21, 2025\u2014just 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.<\/p>\n
According to BBC Wildlife Magazine\u2019s Summer Rylander, this isn\u2019t just another nature film. Ehrlich\u2019s 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\u2019s Pangolarium\u2014the world\u2019s first pangolin rehabilitation facility.<\/p>\n
Pangolins are gentle, scale-covered mammals and tragically hold the title of the world\u2019s most trafficked wild animal. Often hunted for their scales and meat, they face a rapid slide toward extinction. But the film\u2019s creators hope that Kulu\u2019s story will be a turning point. \u201cThis film tells a story of love, trust, and understanding,\u201d Ehrlich said, adding that she hopes it will help viewers \u201csee the beauty and importance of these extraordinary animals.\u201d<\/p>\n
Alexis Kriel, co-chair of the African Pangolin Working Group (APWG), says the documentary could be a cultural tipping point: \u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
If enough people watch, care, and act, this could be the moment pangolins finally get the global protection they deserve.<\/p>\n