This New Netflix Documentary Shines A Light On The Humble Pangolin’s Plight

On World Earth Day, streaming giant Netflix is set to launch a brand new documentary from the Academy Award winning environmental documentarian Pippa Ehrlich, best known for her 2020 film, My Octopus Teacher. Here’s what to expect from Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey.

Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey Is Coming Soon To Netflix

The humble pangolin is a small, nocturnal mammal residing in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, much like an anteater but covered in large protective scales made of keratin. Having lived on Earth for a whopping 85 million years, they’re largely solitary creatures, chomping on ants and termites and meeting with fellow pangolins only to mate and produce a litter of two to three offspring, raising them for around two years.

Despite this peaceful life, pangolins are actually one of the most threatened species in the world. For their meat and scales they are poached and trafficked, while the added element of deforestation has made pangolins critically endangered. A new Netflix documentary is set to raise awareness of the fragility of this species in celebration of Earth Day next week (21 April).

Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey. (Courtesy of Netflix © 2025)

What Is Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey About?

Helmed by documentarian Pippa Ehrlich, Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey centres on wildlife photographer Gareth Thomas, a man who finds a new purpose when he rescues a baby pangolin (who he calls Kulu) in a sting operation in South Africa.

‘It’s an incredible thing to see just how innocent pangolins are,’ Gareth says in the trailer, pointing out that he’s never seen a pangolin in the wild, only when rescuing them from traffickers. As Gareth leaves the city, he dedicates himself to rehabilitating Kulu so he can continue a life of freedom in the wild.

‘This film tells a story of love, trust, and understanding that I believe will resonate deeply with everyone who watches,’ director Pippa says. ‘Pangolins are such remarkable creatures – gentle and shy, with their own special charm. By following Kulu and Gareth’s journey, we hope it will inspire viewers to see the beauty and importance of these extraordinary animals who are sadly the world’s most trafficked wild mammals.’

The film was produced with the help of the African Pangolin Working Group (APWG), of which Gareth is an ambassador. The organisation’s co-chair, Alexis Kriel, says Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey will bring ‘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.

‘It’s likely to bring about a passion for pangolins that will alter their current trajectory towards extinction,’ Alexis hopes.

The Trailer

Where Was It Filmed?

Kulu was rehabilitated at the APWG’s Pangolarium in the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve in South Africa. It’s the world’s first purpose-built facility dedicated to the rehabilitation of trafficked pangolins, and is funded by non-profit safari lodge collection Lepogo Lodges – meaning visitors can stay nearby, immerse themselves in the nature reserve’s pristine beauty, and see the important work of the Pangolarium up close.

BOOK IT: Nightly rates start from R18,000 (~£851) per person on an all-inclusive basis. For more information and to book, visit lepogolodges.com

Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey Release Date

Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey will be available exclusively on Netflix from 21 April 2025.