These are not my photos, and I haven't touched them up or revised them in any way. Most don't have any kind of markings on them.
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This Ranger is assigned to prevent poaching around the wildlife refuge area of Lanseria , South Africa . The way these animals interact with him is absolutely stunning! The lions seem to know he’s there to protect them. His charm works with hyenas and cougars too. Hyenas are usually vicious. Check out the pics taken in the river – amazing because lions hate water.
These next 4 are incredicle.
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This guy truly does have an amazing relationship with these animals, but these are wild animals.
They obviously view him as a play thing.
Animals sometimes eat their chew toys and play things. I hope I never see a story about him turning into a snack.
The last few photos have a trademark on the bottom left. If the owner of these photos would like for me to remove this post, I will do so immediately upon request.
Pretty cool photographes.
I was watching a documentary last night on a man who spent 13 years living in a tent with Grizzle Bears on the Big Green.
Up until the point he was killed by one of them.
Wild animals are wild animals and should always be treated like so.
Alan, Thank you for commenting, and I'm glad I didn't see that documentary.
Bob, Great post and excellent photos. I'm glad you shared them.
Hal, Glad you enjoyed this.
Those are some really wild photographs Bob and your post has been featured at one of my favorite photography groups at Activerain ..............
EXPRESS WITH PHOTOGRAPHS AT ACTIVERAIN
VB ;o)
Thank you Robert. I appreciate the feature.
This is great Bob, it always takes my breath away when I see these photos.
I so want to meet this guy to ask him a few questions, what goes through his head?
Nick, Seeing him so close to the lions took my breath away. I'm thinking he thinks each time he plays with them is his last day on earth.
Bob, It reminds me of the guy who filmed himself playing with grizzly bears in Alaska (R.I.P.).
Jon, I'm sure one day we will hear of his demise.
Amazing images! I had to find out more about this guy - his name is Kevin Richardson and he is from South Africa. I also found a few clips on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKvlBjY3pXk&feature=related
Im not sure ifI can post links on this blog so apologies if I have contravened the rules but I thought it would bring the wildness of the animals to life. He also speaks quite franky about being killed and realises the dangers!!
They have nicknamed him the Real Lion Man! He is certainly braver than me!
Bob - Your very welcome my friend and it's really nice to hear from you again, where have you been hiding!
VB ;o)
Nav, Thanks for the information. I will check out that link.
VB, Thanks. Let's just call it laryngitis.
I didn't see any proof that these are "wild" animals. Wild animals don't act this way !!
MW, I'm confused. Are you saying that these could possibly be "domesticated" animals. I disagree with you if that's your point. Lions just don't make good house pets.
It is great to have you back my friend and you were missed!
Hi ye all. I tend to agree with MW. I stay near the Kruger Park in South Africa and grew up around this part of the country. This is quite unusual. Lanseria is near the city (Jhb) and I won't be surprised if these animals are domesticated to a certain extent. Never the less, these pics are phynomenal - I've never seen anything like it. Maybe Kevin came to the truth that God created man as the care taker over all of creation - to be fearless . . .
These are such beautiful pictures. It takes a very special man to be able to interact with these gorgeous animals in this way.
http://www.lion-park.com/home.html
he is the owner of "LION PARK" an Animal Facility outside of Lanseria......where these photos were taken.... he is an animal trainer - Owner of the place - Kevin Richardson.....he's mentioned on the DVD page and photos on the photo page.
Viral E-mail - Nice PR for the Park..... :)
Perhaps quality of life wins out over quantity in some cases. His life has meaning, and he's doing what he loves with it. Is that worth the risks he takes? To him, it is. Who is anyone else to make a judgement?
Hey there^^
I'm linking back to your blog from my website, http://e-scapegoat.com since we share the same info of this guy.
Have a good day!
He probably has bacon in his pockets. Lol. Incredible photos and story. I've just added a visit to Ranger Richardson to the list of things to do before I die. If he needs help patrolling the preserve, I'd volunteer in a heartbeat.
A visit to this place and a day or two just learning from Rnager Richardson is SO on my Bucket List now !!! Does anyone have an address and/or e-mail on Mr. Richardson?
Can I have videos of the lion protection by you?
Bezzanki
India
Thankfully these animals are NOT wild. The dont even come from the wild. It is unwise to habituate wild animals with humans. It usually ends up that they kill or are killed. This guy's days are numbered. You cant act like a lion and play with lions when u dont have the defenses they do.
Who is this guy?
Just amazing and a beautiful distraction from the problems of the world.
Thank you for sharing.
Danielle