Pangolins fly high
THE fate of pangolins as the most trafficked animals on earth will reach the skies this year as international airlines have committed to screening the documentary Eye of the Pangolin on their long-haul routes.
Pangolin Africa, the non-profit organisation which co-produced the film, said British Airways, Swiss International Airlines, Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines had agreed to take pangolin conservation to travellers.
Bruce Young, co-director of the documentary Blood Lions, joined forces with filmmaker Johan Vermuelen to create the documentary described as a “search for an animal on the edge”.
The film focuses on the search for Africa’s four species of pangolin and took more than two years to make.
The film was released on YouTube in 2019 and Pangolin Africa director, Toby Jermyn, welcomed the agreement with airlines this week.
“We see passengers in flight as the perfect captive audience to enjoy and learn from our 45-minute film about two men’s mission to get all four species of African pangolin on film for the first time.” He called on other airlines to “come on board”.
Onboard screenings on February 15 will coincide with World Pangolin Day.
About eight African pangolins are taken from the wild every day. The scales and meat are in high demand, particularly in China, where the scales are used for up to 100 “treatments”.
Pangolins have been around for about 84 million years but could become extinct during this generation’s lifetime. They are crucial for the control of a range of ants and termites.
Also, there is a luxury safari up for grabs for anyone who watches the documentary and answers some quick questions. The prize includes 10 nights at Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta as well as $5 000 (R72 350) towards the cost of the winner’s international flights.
The draw is on February 15. To enter, go to www.pangolinphoto.com/ thequiz