Kulu's Journey, directed by Pippa Ehrlich, is a compelling documentary discovered by Netflix audiences worldwide, engendering a newfound fondness for raising pangolins. The story spotlights volunteer Pangolin Walker Gareth Thomas, whose dedication to these unique, oft-ignored, creatures manifests into a moving narrative.

More vivid than a dry zoological study, Kulu's Journey fosters a personal connection between the audiences and these creatures while foregrounding the rampant risks they face. Saddeningly, pangolins, once plentiful, are now teetering on the brink of extinction. Their hard, overlapping keratin scales, a key component in traditional Chinese medicine, have made them the world's most trafficked wild mammals, leaving conservation efforts and rehabilitation more critical than ever.

The moving narrative tracks the rescue of a baby pangolin, originally named Gijima, and his road to recovery under the meticulous care of Thomas. The pangolin's endearing journey from a terrified pup, facing the harshness of trafficking, to the sweeping plains of the wild brings to light the harsh realities of wildlife conservation while retaining the charm of the animal's lovable personality.

For audiences who were previously unfamiliar with this extraordinary creature, it's fascinating to watch Gijima, now rechristened as Kulu, tacitly build trust with his human carer. Watching the pangolin's playful side, with his tail wrapping around the human's arm, strays towards being endearingly human-like. The overarching narrative of Kulu's Journey is equally about Thomas's growth as it is about the pangolin's return to its rightful home.

Kulu’s Journey serves as a poignant commentary on humans' complex relationship with nature. It highlights the often-unspoken emotional bonds humans form with animals, the therapeutic aspect these bonds hold, and how they can lead towards healing. From a broader perspective, the film delves into conservation issues, the agonising realities many wildlife species face, and the individual and collective efforts to make a difference.

The documentary is filled with spectacular visuals, suspenseful moments and heart-wrenching situations. It makes a beautiful case for the pangolins, introducing the audience to these creatures and their struggle with an open heart. Despite it being a tale of nature conservation, the core of the film lies in the emotional bonding between Thomas and Kulu, creating a captivating cinematic journey for the audiences worldwide.