As the world’s ecosystems vanish because of human activities, more and more animals in the wild have no choice but to rely on us humans. Although the number of people who can approach these wild creatures is slowly growing, we mustn’t forget that these animals will always remain true to their nature, especially when they are angered. Lions, in general, are not only territorial, but they are also very protective of their cubs. However, it would seem that a zookeeper from South Africa was unaware of these dangerous facts and got inside the lion’s den. Not only did he do that, but he also picked up a cub! The cub’s mother, the lioness, saw him do it and what happened next will definitely stun you.
A Zookeeper Picks Up A Lion Cub, He Doesn’t Expect The Mother To React Like This
A Dangerous And Challenging Job
With the numerous job options in the world, it is fairly safe to say that not many people are willing to take on the challenge of being a zookeeper. Although the zoo has a lot of cute and harmless creatures, there is no guarantee that you will be assigned to them. In this case, Kevin Richardson, who came from South Africa, appeared to have landed the worst possible job assignment.
Dangerous Job
Taking A Risk
He is assigned to take care of lions and Kevin knows that it is a huge responsibility. One of the male or female lions can turn aggressive at any given moment. He is well aware of the fact that the lions can easily attack and tear their enemies apart if they are provoked. Still, he readily accepted the job, confidently taking on the challenge.
Taking A Risk
Doing His Research
Obviously, Kevin did his homework before taking on the new job. He had been researching about lions, lioness, and their cubs for a few years now. He was fully aware of both their strength and their beauty. This zookeeper sure knows the reason why these creatures are called “the king of the jungle.” One interesting fact about lions is that there is a group of the lioness that does the hunting most of the time. They are called, “pride.”
Doing His Research
Training Them
On the other hand, their lion counterparts, protect their territory. When it comes to protecting their young, however, both the lions and lioness are both forces to be reckoned with. They can easily attack anyone who looks like a threat to their cubs. However, it looks like the zookeeper has them eating from his hands.
Training Them
Working Cautiously
Despite his extensive knowledge of the animals under his care, Kevin still makes sure that he is cautious when he does his job. A single mistake in their care could get him injured or even cost him his life. Lions know how powerful they are especially when they feel that danger is imminent. Without any means to communicate with the lions, Kevin had to trust his instinct and wit to survive.
Working Cautiously
A Bit Too Comfortable
But on one particular day, Kevin may have been too confident to get inside the lion’s den. Kevin went inside without wearing any protective gear to where the cute little cubs where playing. Was it even okay for him to take some photos?
A Bit Too Comfortable
Closer To Danger
Kevin walked inside the lion’s den with his video camera in hand, ready to record this meaningful moment. The lioness just looked on, eyes definitely on the lookout for any danger. Her cubs were with her and she didn’t feel that they were in any kind of danger. Kevin had to be very careful. A single sign of anxiety can end up in disaster. Despite the fact that he wasn’t entering the enclosure for the first time, he was still a little nervous when he came close to where the lions were.
Closer to Danger
Approaching With Caution
He approached the lions slowly, keeping himself quiet. Still a little nervous, he picked up an adorable cub. It was almost lunchtime and he still had a lot of tasks to accomplish. The other members of the staff were waiting for him outside the enclosure. Of course, the lioness wouldn’t have just stayed still in the situation, right? What happened after was absolutely amazing.
Approaching With Caution
The Sudden Attack
Kevin has long learned how to look harmless to the lions. Having had years of experience in dealing with lions’ behaviors, he had learned how to act around them with confidence. He knows that he is putting his life at risk whenever he gets near them, but he is always willing to get the job done. He cannot look nervous or agitated when he approaches them as this would cause them to react negatively.
The Sudden Attack
A Sweet Affection
Kevin appeared to have been lost in his thoughts as he held the cute little cub. The lioness didn’t waste any moment and immediately jumped on him! Shocked, Kevin instinctively covered his face. The huge creature can easily tear him limb from limb. However, the expected attack did not happen. Surprisingly, the lioness acted like it was some kind of embrace. She appeared to have missed Kevin. This makes us wonder; was there a special reason for such a display of joy?
A Sweet Affection
Greeting A Friend
The lioness didn’t actually attack the zookeeper in a way that would harm him. She was, in fact, in a playful mood when she saw him. Kevin had been by the lioness’ side since she was pregnant and a unique friendship between a lion and a human started to grow in just a few months time. Just like how humans would, the lioness remembered how the zookeeper helped her in her pregnancy by keeping her comfortable, well-fed, and protected. It wouldn’t have been that easy for her to survive in such a condition in the wild. The lioness appeared to show how grateful she was for the way the zookeeper had cared for her while she was in such a fragile state. In her way of saying thank you, she jumped on the zookeeper like a person hugging a close friend. How can this be possible?
Greeting A Friend
The Start Of A Unique Friendship
Mothers wouldn’t want to see their children separated from them, be it animals or humans. Kevin knew that it was a dangerous move to try to get the cubs and move them away from their mother. But as a zookeeper, he had to do his job. For these lions, strict nutritional plans need to be followed. Kevin had to get the cubs to in order for him and the staff to feed them properly.
Start of a Unique Friendship
Befriending The Lioness
Knowing that he would eventually have to do this, he had slowly placed himself in constant sight to the lioness while she was still pregnant. He wanted her to feel safe and comfortable around him. So, whenever he was in the enclosure, he would greet and talk to the lioness like he would to a human being.
Befriending The Lioness
The Day By Day Encounters
In the beginning, Kevin was very careful not to alarm the lioness and was always attentive to her needs. There were even times when he would just stand and watch her for hours outside the lions’ enclosure. There were some days when the lions were not in a good mood because of various reasons. It could be simply because of the weather or it could be because of another lion in the den.
Encounters
Making Things Personal
But even though he couldn’t always get near the animals, he always made sure that they could see him each day. For him, taking care of these animals is just like taking care of humans. A person needs to show compassion and understanding. Above all, one must devote his or her time. For Kevin, he would include playtime with the lions in his schedule as much as he can. He would often refer to these encounters as “office meetings.” It sounds just like a regular job in the city!
Making Things Personal
The Language Of Lions
A person who can establish a good relationship with animals seems very incredible, doubly so if the animal in question is from the wild. Not everyone has the chance to see these amazing creatures up close and personal. Some people would even have to pay a lot of money and muster a lot of courage to do so. Kevin Richardson is undeniably one of those people who are brave enough as well as fortunate enough to have such a relationship with the kings of the jungle.
Language of Lions
The Lion Whisperer
With a strict schedule, Kevin had learned to understand the language of these wild animals. He would greet them before he starts any of his tasks for the day and he also made sure to say goodbye before he headed home. As the lions started trusting him, his colleagues in the zoo started calling him the “lion whisperer.”
The Lion Whisperer
Once In A Lifetime
Not everyone has the chance to see these magnificent creatures up close. As the world continues to develop, the homes of these animals in the wild are getting destroyed continuously and are put in danger. Some lion breeds are now on the list of endangered species. However, not everyone has the same reaction, some are doing something to raise people’s awareness about this matter, while others choose to keep silent regarding this grim situation.
Once In A Lifetime
Putting His Heart Into It
With these unfortunate events, one can be considered lucky if he has the chance to see one of these incredible creatures. It is not impossible for them to completely disappear if nothing is done to help them. Wouldn’t it be heartbreaking? Kevin Richardson is aware of the fact that to have such a chance to be close to these creatures and to be accepted as their friend is a once in a lifetime opportunity that he has to treasure and nurture. Although it is true that something could go wrong at any given moment, he still opts to give them his trust like how they have given him their trust.
Putting His Heart Into It
Cuddle Sessions
Even people who go to the zoo and other lion sanctuaries rarely have the chance to see cubs. Either their protective mothers are keeping them safe or they need special care and attention. In the jungle, it is the lioness’ duty to keep her cubs safe and to hide them from any potential dangers, especially predators. In captivity, however, they still find ways to protect their cubs.
Cuddle Sessions
Quality Bonding Time
Kevin is so grateful for the opportunity to see the cubs up close, especially those that are only several weeks old. Cubs, from his experience, love to be cuddled. They perceive it as a sign of protection from any predators, even from the same species. Kevin is happy to have their cuddle sessions every day and he can see the cubs express their affections toward him. He has admitted that he learned something from the experience as well.
Quality Bonding Time
Based On Experience
For the most part, Kevin’s confidence in doing his job was the knowledge that he has acquired from his experience. He got most of the tips from books but he had to be brave enough to get near the lions. His everyday routine had aided him in establishing a relationship with these wild beasts.
Based on Experience
Never-Ending Learning
Kevin also takes time to learn about lions on his own, aside from the time he spends in talking to researchers and zoologists. He just enjoys observing them. Although the internet has provided him an unlimited resource on the subject, nothing beats real-life interactions with these creatures. Despite knowing the right approach from research studies, books, and zoologists, there are actually more these creatures than meets the eye.
Never-Ending Learning
Feeding Time
Although there is no problem in feeding adult lions, the lioness that had just delivered her cub needs to be treated with extra caution. Her body is still recovering from the ordeal of childbirth and just like humans, female lions can be very ferocious when aggravated, even to those of the same kind. Kevin understood this challenge but it was feeding time. The lions may have the tendency to remain calm during their feeding time, but a single mistake can easily make them agitated and alarmed.
Feeding Time
Had To Watch Out
Kevin and some of the staff members – his aids – still couldn’t leave even though they have finished bringing the lions’ food to their den. They have to stay there and watch patiently as the lions have their fill. Their task is to make sure that the lioness and her cubs get to eat their meals. Was there really a need for them to watch the lions eat?
Had To Watch Out
No Interruption
The cubs and their mother are not separated from a group of female lions called pride. The lions are still expected to mingle with each other and adapt with life inside the enclosures. The pride inside the den enjoys playing and interacting with one another. Kevin loves these playful moments with the lions. However, he also has to make sure that they don’t have any mood swings by ensuring that they eat well. When it’s time to feed them, Kevin and the other staff in the zoo have to stay and wait for the lions to finish their meal. They have to make sure that the other lions don’t disturb the lioness and her cubs when they are feeding. However, this can easily turn into a dangerous situation. While they are feeding, playtime has to be temporarily on hold.
No Interruption
Once They Are Ready
Although lions can be the scariest hunter out of all other animals in the wild or in animal enclosures, they only become fearsome when they become adults. But as long as they are still cubs, they have to rely on their mother’s protection. They are as helpless as regular kittens. When they reach eight weeks old, the cubs are then allowed to interact with the other lions of the pride.
Once They Ready
Baby Protection
Even though they are inside the enclosure and the cubs have the energy and strength to keep up with the other lions, Kevin still has to make sure that they are safe during these interactions for several months. The cubs are considerably smaller than the adult lions and they shouldn’t suffer because they innocently think they are safe. Kevin has to wait until the cubs can fend for themselves around the other lions. He loves the time he has to spend with them anyway.
Baby Protection
A Temporary Dad
It may sound crazy, but Kevin Richardson actually feels responsible towards the lions in the enclosure like they’re his own children. It wasn’t easy for him to win over the lioness. He had to do everything so he could get close to the cubs. He also invested some time and energy to watch them and become familiar with their behavior. He was careful to approach the wild animals and become a real friend to them. At this point, Kevin feels even more protective of them. Eventually, the cubs will meet their father and they will then have the chance to interact with the other lions in the enclosure. So, it is understandable that he cherishes the time that he gets to spend with them to protect them.
Temporary Dad
An Understanding
Kevin finds his job in the zoo enjoyable. As he naturally likes animals, he has no regrets in his decision to become a zookeeper when he could have taken a job in the city that could pay him well. But he did admit that some days were really exhausting than others. This doesn’t mean that he plans to quit his job though. It seems like he feels that he was born for this job. He has wanted to become a lion whisperer and he knows that this dream is not far from becoming a possibility.
An Understanding
They Aren’t Aggressive With Him
One day, after playing with the cute cubs and the lioness for most of the day, Kevin laid down on the grass bed inside the enclosure to rest for a bit. When he looked at the lions, they were resting and calm, so he closed his eyes and took a nap. The lioness didn’t attack him like prey as what was expected. Instead, she laid down beside him just like how a protective mom would!
They Aren’t Aggressive With Him
A Habit
Motherhood, it seems, is the same for both humans and animals: it is taxing. The lioness has to make sure that her cubs feel loved and secure even though their father is not with them. Although Kevin does everything he can to help, there is a limit to what he can do. So, the fact that there is a mutual understanding between Kevin and the lions, there are still things, like emotions and feelings, that only the lioness feels towards her cubs.
A Habit
It’s Just What They Did
As time passed, the zookeeper and his friend didn’t notice that their nap time together was slowly becoming a habit. Everyone is still amazed at how Kevin could go in and out of the enclosure without being harmed, and now, he can even take naps with these wild creatures without fear. It is indeed a special relationship.
It’s Just What They Did
Taking On The Challenge
Normally, it would be hard to convince a person to become a keeper of lions. People in South Africa are used to seeing animals, even those that are from the wild, and they think that these animals will continue to exist whether someone takes care of them or not. However, the job seemed to have pulled at Kevin’s heart. He didn’t doubt that he was a good fit for the job despite the danger that it entails. Kevin approaches his job at the zoo the same way an office worker would. He works hard at the zoo but still finds time to enjoy and relax his time with the lions. He has never regretted his decision to take this job. He even wants to hire more people and prove that compassion and kindness can accomplish the impossible.
Taking On The Challenge
Trust
The population of lions is declining not only in South Africa but all over the world. This is due to the destruction of the natural habitat of these wild creatures caused by human activities. Kevin feels that there is a need to protect his new friends and he does it in his own simple way, by inspiring other people to do the same thing. He even started teaching his colleagues in the zoo how to communicate with the lions, one person at a time. He is thankful that he had proven to the lioness and her cubs that they were safe with him. His efforts had certainly paid off as they had learned to trust him in the process. In his own thoughts, Kevin thought that he could still give them more. What else could he give to his lion friends?
Trust
A Bigger Task
Kevin thinks that if he can do it, others can also do it. His friendship with these huge animals has motivated him to reach out to other people and tell them about what is happening to these wild creatures. He couldn’t imagine a world without these majestic animals roaming around, showing off their magnificence. They are not tame and they can definitely kill, but it is only their nature. Kevin understands this fully. Although Kevin knows that there is no conflict between him and the lions, especially the human-predator kind, he is fully aware of the numerous dangers that they face in the wild like diseases, unprincipled hunting, illegal trade, bush meat, and many others. But despite all these threats, Kevin is set on keeping them safe, whatever it takes.
A Huge Task
Calm After The Storm
When it comes to his quality time with the lions, Kevin enjoys turning to his Instagram page to post photos of him and the cats, sharing their little moments with the world. “Vayetse enjoying the calm after the storm. After initially being energized like an energizer bunny he eventually calmed down and was just so so loving. The rain has a rejuvenating and energizing effect not just on us. You also just can’t beat the smell after the rains”
Calm After The Storm
A Good Cause
It only makes sense that Kevin would do as much as he can to help protect lions as a whole in the wild. To do so, he created his very own nonprofit organization. The Kevin Richardson Wildlife Sanctuary is owned and run by him, and its aim is to provide a self-sustaining African carnivore sanctuary for wild species preservation by educating people, raising awareness, and funding. On his Instagram, he wrote, “I’ve been working on something really cool today! Pick up where we left off tomorrow. I hope you all enjoy it as much as we did making it when it comes out around a month from now. All for a good cause.”
A Good Cause
Naptime
During the hottest days of the year, it seems like the lions sleep most of the time. It makes sense considering they have thick dark manes that warm them even more than the sun does. The heat takes a toll on them and they sleep in the heat of the day. At night, however, the lions feel better and get their energy back.
Naptime
Constant Threat
The greatest threat to lions everywhere is habitat loss. This issue is closely coupled with human/lion conflict, human population growth, and expansion into wilderness areas. All these components contribute to the depletion of prey species through poaching for meat trade and subsistence. People wonder whether banning trophy hunting or banning the importation of said trophy into certain countries will help the lion population or not. All the same, there’s no doubt that there isn’t an easy or inexpensive solution to this problem.
Constant Threat
No Caption Needed
By taking care of lions in his sanctuary, Kevin is trying to help them as well as help awareness online and all over the world for the problematic treatment of lions in many places. He posts almost daily, showing the world the lion’s beauty. This image is of one of the panthers at the sanctuary, Kahn. Kevin wrote in the caption, “The look on Kahn’s face says it all. No need for a caption here. taken shortly after a scrap with his brother while he was cooling his heels.”
No Caption Needed
Golden Hour
Kevin doesn’t post just any pictures of him or the lions. “My two favorite times of the day are referred to as the golden hour by photographers. It’s the period shortly after sunrise and just before sunset, where the light is more golden and softer making it ideal for taking great photos. It’s also the time of day when it’s cooler and lions are much more active. Lions don’t like the heat much and neither do I.”
Golden Hour
King Of The Castle
Lions are known for being the king of the jungle. They love sitting at higher points so they can sit and survey their surroundings and the territory around them. Here we see an incredible photo Kevin posted to his Instagram of one of his lions relaxing.
King Of The Castle
Deep Conversation
There’s never a dull moment when it comes to caring for lions. Even when there isn’t anything going on, Kevin loves spending time with them and just having their company. Here, he posted a stunning photo with this caption, “Vayetse and me deep in conversation. The deeper language we speak is sans words. Personally I believe we all have an innate ability to communicate with animals. It’s just that with modern living and the digital noise we are immersed in daily, we’ve blocked it out. That’s why it’s incredibly important to disconnect from technology, go outside and talk to nature. We need to fall back in love with nature to protect it because after all is said and done, we will only protect what we love. Remember that all relationships human and animal take time, patience, perseverance and commitment. Please bear this in mind when wanting to touch animals (not just wild ones) on a whim. Animals don’t work that way.”
Deep Conversation
Special Relationship
Bonding with lions is no easy feat. Kevin gets asked about it a lot, and his response is always the same: it takes time and patience. “If you want a relationship that looks and feels like the most amazing thing on earth, you need to treat it like the most amazing thing on earth. The trust is built when no one is looking. Thank you to the truly talented @jackiewildphoto for capturing this special moment of trust with Vayetse which has taken more than a decade of no one looking to build.”
Special Relationship
The Shirt
You’d never think the color of a shirt would bother a lion, would you? Well, that might not be the case here, but all the same, Bongani the lion seems more than interested. “I’m not quite sure if It’s the colour of the shirt or the ‘lionart’ print of the lion on it that Bongani finds more interesting. Lions see in color but not full color. More in the blue and green spectrum so this t-shirt should resonate. Why is he laughing? Well he isn’t, he’s merely grimacing because the t-shirt is new and the smell is different. By grimacing, he will draw in the new smell over his Jacobson’s organ or vomeronasal organ on the roof of his mouth which in turn will help create a memory for that particular smell.”
The Shirt
Lazy Day
Everyone has their lazy days, no? Well, Thor here had somewhat of a lazy day. Kevin wrote on his Instagram, “How has your Monday been? Lazy like Thor’s or manic like mine? After a #digitaldetox over the weekend, I’m finding it difficult to reconnect today! I have to admit, a break from social media posting over the weekends and limiting my exposure to it generally, has been working wonders over the past few weeks for my mental well being.”
Lazy Day
Playtime
Just like cats or dogs, lions need some playtime too! In fact, it’s pretty important for them, as Kevin said, “Play is an essential part of staying bonded and close-knit as a lion pride. Stalking and pouncing games are frequently performed especially amongst the younger generations. It helps keep their skills honed for hunting but also sometimes it’s really just about having fun! Yes, lions can and do have fun. The lions in my care are far more likely to play and have fun when introduced to new or different areas. Really important for physical and mental well being.”
Playtime
Favorite Attributes
A lot of times, people ask Kevin what his favorite thing about lions is, and his answer tends to be the same time and time again: “I’m often asked what attributes I like about lions. There are obviously many but one that always rises to the top is that they’re not two-faced. You know where you stand! I suppose this is probably true of all animals with the exception of Homo sapiens, whose two-facedness, even though I’m astutely aware of it still blows me away. I suppose I always hope for the good in people. Won’t apologize for that.”
Favorite Attributes
Important Change
We all know about the problem that is climate change and plastic pollution. Well, Kevin is a big advocate for eco-friendly solutions and things that can bring about positive change. He isn’t shy about speaking his opinion on the matter, either. On his Instagram, he wrote, “You’ve all heard the stat that by 2050 there’ll be more plastic than fish in the ocean. Trying to eliminate single-use plastic is something we should all be making a conscious effort to do more of. The first step in the right direction is switching out plastic for reusable water bottles
Whose with me in taking their first step and making this small but important change?”
Important Change
Old Photos
Naturally, we all keeping photos of fond memories to have them forever, and Kevin is just the same. He has hundreds of photos from over the years of his lions – among other things – that he likes to reminisce on sometimes and look back at them. This one, for instance, is Yame and behind him, George, running freely along the road.
Old Photos
Positive News
Taking care of any animals is hard work, obviously, and lions are no different. There are all the normal concerns for their health as well as their happiness. This lion, Siam, had been having some medical problems. He’d been losing weight and been somewhat lethargic. So, the vets did some routine tests to check what was wrong and helped him get better. Here, we can see him after he improved and is back to normal with healthy blood test results. Not to mention, he went back to eating normally and being his happy self.
Positive News
Misunderstood
Like he’s stated before, Kevin speaks a lot about building trust between him and the big cats and how long it takes. “A 9-year relationship with Kahn enables me to have a safe friendship. Relationships are forever evolving and either you grow together or apart. Fortunately, we have grown together. Leopards are amazing animals and often misunderstood. I’m often part of nostalgic conversations where people retell stories about their experiences with leopards and their behavior, having had no experience with them other than a fleeting encounter in the bush. I bite my tongue. I’ve found, in over 2 decades of working with large carnivores, that a lot of what perpetuates our there about leopards is myth rather than fact and it’s human nature to embellish encounters with them, sometimes to their detriment. Unfortunately throughout Africa leopards are being constantly persecuted due to the fact that farmers see them as problem animals who kill their livestock.”
Misunderstood
Basking In The Sun
It only makes sense that lions, being the big cats they are, would enjoy doing normal cat things like basking in the sun and taking long naps. Despite being part of the cat family, lions are the only ones who regularly live in packs. Their packs range from three lions to as many as 40.
Basking In The Sun
Dangers
You might be wondering, is it not dangerous to deal with lions? They aren’t domesticated, gentle animals. The truth is that yes, it is a dangerous job. Kevin has spoken about it many times, saying that he’s been scratched, punctured, and bitten. All the same, he isn’t dissuaded by these dangers. In an interview, he said, “Obviously one realizes the danger when working with animals of this calibre, I’ve weighed the pros and I’ve weighed the cons, and the pros far outweigh the cons.” However, he does warn others about following in his footsteps. “People like to take things out of context. They don’t know the relationship I have with this lion.” He only ever interacts with lions that he’s been with since their birth.
Dangers
Love And Affection
One of the most important things Kevin enjoys discussing and saying time and time again is, “All animals need love and affection”. Despite the fact that Kevin actually used to be involved in lion cub petting in the past, now he is strongly against it, saying, “A lion is not a possession; it’s a sentient being, so you must pay attention and develop your bond like with any relationship.”
Love And Affection