Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
When it comes to wildlife documentaries, few have left the mark that My Octopus Teacher did on global audiences. In 2025, Pippa Ehrlich returns with Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey, a similarly intimate, yet starkly distinct tale of healing, empathy, and silent resilience.
The film chronicles the soulful story of Kulu, a baby pangolin rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, and his human guardian—a man who rediscovers purpose while rehabilitating the gentle creature. This emotionally-driven journey is available exclusively for streaming on Netflix, making it easily accessible for viewers in the U.S. and worldwide.
Watch Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey (2025) Movie Online
Streaming Service:
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Netflix (Original and Exclusive Release)
🔗 Watch Now on Netflix
Unfortunately, the film is not available on other platforms such as Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+. As an original Netflix documentary, it remains part of their growing portfolio of environmental and wildlife-focused content.
A Heartbreaking and Hopeful Narrative
From the opening scene, Kulu’s Journey captures more than just wildlife behavior—it offers a mirror into our fractured relationship with the natural world. While pangolins are often called “the most trafficked mammals on Earth,” this film paints a portrait not of statistics, but of individual recovery, personal responsibility, and quiet redemption.
The central human character’s journey—his evolution from rescuer to a reverent observer—parallels the pangolin’s own tentative steps back into the wild. However, the balance between man and animal is delicate. Some critics point out the film walks a fine line, occasionally slipping into human-centric storytelling at the expense of deeper pangolin insights. Yet, this decision appears intentional, as the film’s goal is not merely educational, but emotional.
Visual Brilliance and Sonic Intimacy
From a cinematographic standpoint, Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey is nothing short of breathtaking. The South African landscapes, with their glowing golden hours and eerie nighttime visuals, serve as a haunting backdrop to Kulu’s delicate progress. The standout sequence—when Kulu is electrocuted by a farm fence—shocks not only the pangolin but the viewer. The rattling of his armored scales evokes thunder, a striking metaphor that lingers long after the credits roll.
The sound design is rich and immersive, amplifying the sense of solitude and survival. Whether it’s the soft scurrying through ant hills or the subtle rustling of dry leaves, every sonic detail pulls the viewer closer to the earth—reminding us that nature, though silent, speaks volumes.
Cultural and Ecological Layers
This film sets itself apart by diving into the cultural mythology surrounding pangolins. In African traditions, pangolins are believed to bring both blessings and storms. They are revered as creatures that symbolize harmony and danger alike. These mythologies add an ancient, spiritual depth that enriches the conservation narrative.
Equally notable is the attention given to pangolin ecology. Through vivid field research and commentary from local biologists, the documentary showcases the ant species that form Kulu’s diet and the pangolin’s instinctual restraint in consumption—a compelling counterpoint to human greed and environmental exploitation.
Contradictions in Conservation Messaging
Despite its strengths, Kulu’s Journey has drawn fair critique. Conservationists argue that the hands-on approach to rewilding Kulu might send mixed signals. Unlike My Octopus Teacher, where the animal initiated interaction, Kulu’s bond with his caregiver appears largely orchestrated. The human involvement, though nurturing, sometimes edges into over-dependence.
Yet the documentary does acknowledge these concerns, eventually illustrating the importance of “noninterference.” The bittersweet ending—where Kulu disappears after shedding his tracking devices—reinforces the idea that true success in wildlife rehabilitation is a complete return to autonomy.
Is It Worth Watching? Absolutely
Flawed though it may be in parts, Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey succeeds in what it sets out to do: foster empathy for an overlooked species. It gives voice to a creature silenced by poaching and habitat loss, while also exploring the deep, often messy emotional connections humans forge with nature.
Though not as surprising or emotionally overwhelming as My Octopus Teacher, the film still manages to stir a quiet, lasting reflection. Its narrative may be familiar, but its subject—a creature so rarely seen—is anything but.
FAQs
Where can I watch Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey (2025) online?
You can stream the movie exclusively on Netflix. It’s not available on other platforms like Amazon or Hulu.
Is Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey available in the U.S.?
Yes, it is available on Netflix U.S. and most global territories where Netflix operates.
Is this film suitable for children?
Generally yes, though there are emotionally intense moments such as the electrocution scene that might be distressing for very young viewers.
Who is the director of this documentary?
The film is directed by Pippa Ehrlich, best known for her award-winning work My Octopus Teacher.
Does the documentary have a call to action?
Not directly. While it raises awareness about pangolin trafficking and conservation, it stops short of offering practical steps for viewers to contribute.
How long is Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey?
The runtime is approximately 90 minutes.
Final Thoughts: Pangolins, Empathy, and Earth
Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey is more than just a documentary—it’s a subtle plea. It asks us to re-evaluate how we perceive animals, not as objects of curiosity or rescue, but as sentient beings with the right to exist undisturbed. Through heartache, triumph, and awe-inspiring footage, the film makes a quiet but firm argument: sometimes the best thing we can do for nature is to let go.
If you’re a lover of nature documentaries with soul, a passion for animal welfare, or simply someone curious about the natural world’s quieter voices, this film is absolutely worth your time.
