NIGERIANS FIGHT TO PROTECT THE WORLD’S MOST TRAFFICKED MAMMAL

About This Project

Special Note:

Maine Premiere

Filmmaker:

Katie Schuler

Total Running Time:

00:09:57

Filming Location:

Nigeria

Filmmaker Origin:

Washington, dc

Synopsis:

Pangolins are believed to be the most trafficked mammals in the world. As the four Asian species of pangolins have dwindled, poachers are increasingly turning to the African species to supply the trade. In this short film, meet the bold Nigerians who are fighting to protect this gentle and vulnerable creature.

Thoughts from the filmmaker:

It’s not often that pangolin stories have a message of success. We arrived in Lagos, Nigeria, one of the largest (if not the largest) hub for illegal pangolin trade in Africa, to document how the illegal trade operates. Instead we came away with an entirely different story about the people going to extreme lengths to save this threatened animal. Most notably the star of our story is Dr Mark Ofua, a veterinarian who at risk to his own safety and career, regularly visits Bushmeat markets to rescue and rehabilitate pangolins. Covering pangolin issues these last few years has been heart breaking at times and it’s the work of people like Mark that keeps me going.

This film to be screened at:

8/01/20 – Late Show – Thompson’s Point – Portland