Kulu and Gareth Thomas: Where Are the Pangolin and His Walker Today?

As a documentary living up to its title in every way conceivable, Netflix’s ‘Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey’ can only be described as equal parts educational and exhilarating. That’s because it delves deep into how a man’s whole world turned upside down as he embarked on a journey to help an endangered baby pangolin get released back into the wild. Gareth Thomas had no idea that when he volunteered to be a walker for a little Pangolin named Gijima, who was on the verge of being trafficked, he would discover his calling, too.

Gareth Thomas’ Early Years Were Far From Ordinary

Although born and brought up in Johannesburg, South Africa, Gareth spent the majority of his summers in Zimbabwe growing up, which is where his passion for nature really began. No matter what, he was surrounded by it at every step of the way, soon driving the young boy to make the most of what he had and find a connection with nature in and of itself. Nevertheless, since he was admittedly a very hyperactive child, he had no idea what to do about it, sadly resulting in him having a lot of trouble in the years to come.

As per Gareth’s account, he wasn’t great at studies due to his hyperactivity, and it eventually fell to such an extent that he switched schools a few times before dropping out entirely. From what we can tell, he subsequently didn’t pursue his diploma through other means or study further; instead, he spent the ensuing 3 years making ends meet by playing professional poker. Then, he did a few odd jobs, only to realize he had to do better and lead a better, more fulfilling life after facing a severe trauma – he sadly lost 2 of his best friends in a car crash.

Gareth Thomas Gave the Name Kulu to Gijima

Gareth’s biggest fear has admittedly always been not being enough and failing at whatever task he sets his mind to. Yet after his friend’s passing, he found his calling in nature. He had always been in love with it, and now he rediscovered it. That’s when he learned about the endangered species of Pangolin and decided to volunteer in helping save them, starting with a bust from traffickers. That’s because they use Pangolin shells and poach them to create around 85 traditional medicines. He said they can go extinct in the next few decades if not stopped.

When this sweet Pangolin named Gijima was rescued, Gareth became its primary caretaker as a volunteer, and since this rescue had been going on for years, they knew what was important. Previously, these mammals were released into the wild within days of healing, but now the officials realized they needed to do better. So, Gijima, the former poker player, is the one who went to the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve to help him get used to the wild. For this, he made himself adjust to his timings and woke up at dawn to help him.

It took months for Pangolin to actually trust Gareth and get better, by which point he had already renamed it owing to its significance. While Gijima in the local language meant the opposite of freedom, Kulu meant easy, so Gareth changed its name. This confidence helped the duo connect and get better until it had reached its ideal weight of 6.5 kgs to be released into the wild. This entire process was hard for him since he had gotten so used to the mammal, but he gradually learned to let go and stop being a helicopter mom. This transition had ups and downs, too, and Gareth often had to intervene to save Kulu, but they gradually got used to the wilderness and were released for good.

Gareth Thomas and Kulu Are Both Leading Happy, Free Lives Today

Once Kulu had been observed in the wild for over 6 months, and it was noticed that its health was only just improving, its tag was removed for good. Therefore, although still in the wilderness of South Africa, Kulu hasn’t been seen since having had complete freedom. However, this is not surprising because Gareth has never actually seen a Pangolin in the wild – he has only ever seen those who have been rescued. Pangolins are considered bringers of rain in Africa, and they are reportedly also deemed mystic creatures as rare as unicorns, so it was definitely a huge deal for Gareth to help.

From what we can tell, Gareth has continued down this path while also being much more. He was in his 30s when he found his calling as a wildlife photographer, upon remembering all the good times he had in childhood, unaware it would lead him down this path. Yet, he is extremely glad for it since it has enabled him to have a career in what he is passionate about while also making a difference. After all, today, he not only serves as a wildlife photographer but also as an Ambassador of the African Pangolin Working Group. The Johannesburg resident is proud of all that he has accomplished, but he knows he is just getting started. Adventure, camera, creativity, and rescue are his life today, and he is glad to be doing something of purpose.