From Poker to Pangolins: The Journey That Changed a Life and Could Save a Species
“Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey,” directed by Pippa Ehrlich for Netflix, tracks Gareth Thomas, a former poker player turned wildlife advocate, who finds companionship with Kulu, an endangered baby pangolin. This story highlights the emotional and environmental significance of conservation.
The story is also about their journey, filmmaking, and the need to protect pangolins, the world’s most trafficked mammals, and ultimately, how personal growth and knowledge of issues like climate change can be harnessed for effective action.
Gareth Thomas’s Improbable Journey
Gareth Thomas was raised in Johannesburg but discovered his passion for nature during his summer holidays in Zimbabwe. Diagnosed with hyperactivity and struggling in school, he dropped out and eked out a living playing poker and doing odd jobs.
Gareth had lost two close friends in a car crash and wanted to be a little more purposeful. He discovered it in conservation, or more specifically, volunteering as a pangolin rescue trafficker.
Who Is Kulu, And Why Should He Matter?
Her name is Kulu, which means “run” in Zulu, and she is a rescued baby pangolin. Gareth nicknamed him “Kulu” (meaning “easy”) to evoke a more gentle route. Pangolins are eerie, shy, and vulnerable loners sought after for their scales, which are used in traditional medicine.
The Netflix film chronicles Gareth and Kulu’s long rehabilitation journey in South Africa’s Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, where trust, patience, and love are integral to Kulu’s return to the wild.
Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey – the Netflix effect
Set to premiere on April 21, 2025, shortly before World Earth Day, Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey is directed by Academy Award-winner Pippa Ehrlich. The film builds on her previous success with My Octopus Teacher by focusing on the emotional bond between humans and animals.
It eschews dry fact for heart and narrative. The goal is simple—awareness. “This film can spark conversations and public will to save pangolins from extinction,” as APWG’s Alexis Kriel said.
A Pangolin Walker’s Daily Routine, In Pictures
Thomas rose each day at 4 a.m. to align with Kulu’s nighttime schedule. The pangolin only forages freely, so Gareth followed him over the earth, often seeing him dine on ant larvae — “pangolin ice cream.” Trust bwas uilt slowly. Kulu, traumatized, was initially reluctant.
But over the months, the cat warmed to Gareth, even curling his tail around his arm affectionately. Their bond was genuine and profound. In Malaysia, pangolins are caught for the exotic pet trade, and in the Philippines, they are hunted for their meat. Due to these issues, converting to wild populations poses numerous challenges.
Releasing pangolins is risky. Some die from electric fences, predators, or trauma, even after being cared for for months. Kulu’s disappearances for hours, when he lost weight or got stuck, made Gareth anxious.
Giving up was challenging, especially after creating a relationship like that of a parent and child. But Gareth pressed on, learning to prioritize Kulu’s independence. Finally, Kulu achieved the ideal weight and was set free, healthy and thriving.
And: Pangolins: Wondrous And Endangered
Pangolins have been around for approximately 85 million years, but they now find themselves on the brink of extinction. They’re hunted for their keratin scales, and so the world’s most trafficked mammal.
Their lone defense—rolling into a ball—doesn’t stand a chance against poachers. In Southern African folklore, pangolins are considered magical, and some believe they are capable of calling down the rain. It also gives their survival a spiritual significance.” They represent more than biodiversity; they also embody cultural identity and ecological balance.
Gareth Thomas: Today, A Conservationist And Ambassador
He is currently working as a wildlife photographer and an Ambassador for the African Pangolin Working Group (APWG). He tells his story not to gain credit, but to draw attention to the plight of the pangolin.
His work with APWG, under the guidance of Professor Ray Jansen, involves undercover stings against traffickers and public education initiatives. He has translated grief and struggle into a global mission.
The Power Of Visual Storytelling
Visually, the documentary dazzles: pangolins beneath starlit skies, verdant foliage, time-lapse shots of storms. Ann Nikitin’s score heightens the emotion. The film balances wonder and urgency, coaxing viewers to fall in love with a creature they might’ve never known existed. It’s not only about saving — it’s about a sense of stewardship and respect for life.
FAQs
What is a pangolin?
An anteater for the 21st century X: a scaly, spiny, insect-eating mammal from Asia and Africa, the only mammal with a defense as powerful as that of a turtle, the only one with a tongue so improbably long.
Why are pangolins trafficked?
Their scales, however, have no proven benefits and are used in traditional medicine, primarily in Asia.
The African Pangolin Working Group (APWG)
It’s a conservation organization dedicated to saving pangolins through rescue, rehabilitation, education, and anti-trafficking efforts.
How can I help pangolins?
AP support; spread the word; no pangolin parts products.
Is Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey a true story?
Yes. It chronicles the real-life adventure of Gareth Thomas with a rescued pangolin he calls Kulu.
Final Words
Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey is not just a film. It’s a wake-up call. Through Gareth’s metamorphosis and Kulu’s healing, it’s a tale of hope and heartbreak and a strong message: Nature heals, but we have to allow that to happen. Pangolins may be hard to spot, but thanks to tales like these, their future doesn’t have to be.
Table of Contents