The Faculty of Science at the Tshwane University of Technology, proudly celebrates Prof Ray Jansen from the Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, who has been featured prominently in the internationally acclaimed Netflix documentary Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey. This poignant documentary, which premiered on 21 April 2025, quickly became one of the most trending documentaries on Netflix and ranked in the Top 10 most-watched series nationally for the month.
Directed by Academy Award–winning filmmaker Pippa Ehrlich, known for her ground-breaking work My Octopus Teacher, Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey, follows the emotional and inspiring story of Gareth Thomas, a South African investment manager who finds new purpose in rescuing and rehabilitating a trafficked baby pangolin, named Kulu. The film sheds light on the dire plight of pangolins—now the most illegally traded mammals in the world—and offers an intimate exploration of the connection between humans and wildlife.
Prof Jansen, an internationally respected authority on African pangolins, features in the documentary as a leading expert on pangolin trafficking and conservation. His deep knowledge and unwavering passion for these elusive creatures lend critical insight into the threats they face and the efforts required to protect them.
Prof Jansen, internationally respected authority on African pangolins, features in the documentary as a leading expert on pangolin trafficking and conservation.
A founding member and Honorary Life Member of the African Pangolin Working Group (APWG), Prof Jansen has spent decades raising awareness about pangolin trafficking, contributing to landmark conservation efforts. Among his many achievements, he played an instrumental role in the successful 2016 up-listing of all pangolin species to Appendix I of CITES, offering them the highest level of international protection.
“I’ve been passionate about wildlife and the African savannahs since I was a young boy. I was introduced to pangolins in 2009 when a past student requested me to supervise his Master’s study on the Temminck’s pangolin in the Kalahari. I was immediately bewitched by these mysterious creatures. At that time, I realised how much trouble they are in and subsequently founded the African Pangolin Working Group; the first organisation of its kind directly focused on hands-on work in reducing the illegal trafficking of pangolins.”
Prof Jansen continues to serve the APWG through scientific research, postgraduate supervision, law enforcement training and advisory roles in pangolin-related legal cases. His involvement in Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey reflects his lifelong dedication to wildlife conservation and his status as a global ambassador for pangolin protection.
The Faculty of Science commends Prof Jansen for his extraordinary contribution to both science and society. His feature in this powerful documentary not only underscores the impact of his work, but also brings much-needed attention to the importance of protecting one of Africa’s most threatened and misunderstood animals.
Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey is now streaming on Netflix. We encourage all staff, students, and the broader community to watch this moving documentary and support global conservation efforts.
Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s0uSmECs50