Lion Whisperer

A South African man, dubbed the "Lion Whisperer" has an unusual set of pets. Kevin Richardson, 34, owns a vast private reserve near Johannesburg which is home to a pride of 38 lions.

Working as an animal behaviourist, he first came into contact with lions 11 years ago.

He had the opportunity to spend time with two lion cubs born into captivity and over the years has developed an exceptional relationship with the big cats.

Richardson has been accepted by the lions, and can roll around with males and females alike, even petting the cubs, over which lionesses are normally fiercely protective.

The lion cubs, who have been raised by their parents rather than by humans, albeit in captivity, tumble around with Richardson, seeming to accept him as one of their own.

Responding to the criticism that he could be interfering with nature, Richardson countered "we interfered with nature the day we put these animals in enclosures".

He said he is simply trying to "promote a better life of animals in captivity".

The lions are free to roam around the extensive estate, and Richardson has never tried to coerce them with food treats or weapons.

Indeed, Richardson is the only human able to play with the lions and he appreciates his own vulnerability.

He is fully aware that the lions could easily kill him, but said it is not something that worries him.

"If I had the opportunity to come back after dying, I would do it all the same," he said.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• lions
• Lion
• Whisperer
• South
• Africa

[Xuzial]

That takes balls. I bet he also has 38 women waiting for him everyday after work.

[Redrum4409]

when he cradled that lion, that was beautiful...

[KMSigler]

Catnip is god lol



[jvf87]

This guy's balls are XXXXXXXXXXXXL

[b52goats]

Dude south Africans are boss, they have a shark Whisperer too.

[FrancescaCL1]

studying animal behaviour at uni next year... please let me have just one experience like this in my life time!!!! <3

[cjdistheman1]

These lions will literally kill anything for this dude saftey. Now thats protection for your ass

[repogirl20]

I think the woman is wrong. They don't act like his pets, they treat him like family. Look at the way they went after the hyena for touching him.

[serchallen2]

AMAIZING THIS GUY IS GOD :D

[StrayingBullet]

The fact that feline went into the water for him, means how strong their bond really is!

[dreyaleesings]

you can tell that those animals reaaaaally REAALLYYY love him.

[JJJ6035]

This is incredible.