Buckle up and prepare to fall in love with Kulu. Looking like a hybrid of an anteater, armadillo, and a sloth, the pangolin is a contender for World’s Most Adorable Animal.
Kulu was rescued as a pangopup (yes, that’s what the babies are called) from illegal wildlife traders, and this decidedly heartfelt film tells the story of Kulu’s rearing by Gareth Thomas, the journey to reintroduce Kulu to the wild, and the emotional journey Gareth takes along the way. The truth is that outside life is very dangerous for Kulu, and this creature is vulnerable to predation.
The same director who gave us My Octopus Teacher helms this equally epic journey, and while it may be a bit manipulative to play at people’s heartstrings like this, I’m here for it. I’m a bit teary just thinking of Kulu and Gareth, and how much we can mean to each other when we just as easily could mean nothing at all. Gather up the kids and watch. While it may feel scary at times—as things do in the wild—ultimately this is a love story about finding such big meaning in something so small. (88 min.)
—Anna Starkey
This article appears in May 22 – Jun 1, 2025.