Jackie Chan’s ‘Kung Fu Pangolins’ kicks butts with Shorty nomination
HONG KONG: Jackie Chan has been kicking butts with a short film on pangolins fighting back to stave off extinction.
That film has won a nomination for the Shorty Social Good Awards.
Pangolins are the most trafficked wild mammal in the world and are regarded as an endangered species. The anteaters have tough scales, which poachers sell along with meat from the pangolin’s body.
Last year, American environmental organisation WildAid enlisted the help of international kung fu superstar Jackie Chan to create a public service announcement about protecting pangolins. In it, Jackie trains three pangolins to protect themselves by fighting back.
The PSA, which carries the tagline “It takes just one move to protect pangolins”, was viewed 13 million times on social media. The campaign has now been named as a finalist in the Shorty Social Good Awards.
The impression left by the PSA was positive, with Shorty reporting notable changes in people’s attitudes towards the buying and selling of pangolin products since seeing Jackie Chan’s message.
WildAid’s mission is to end illegal wildlife trade through public awareness campaigns. It’s a noble cause that must be fought for - and it certainly helps to have a famous face to help it along. Jackie exudes his trademark humour, charm and agility as he teaches the animals how to protect themselves, making the PSA as fun to watch as it is educational.
Previously, Jackie had worked on a video aimed at curbing rhino poaching called “Say No”, which was shot with the African Wildlife Foundation.
That too was a huge hit.