Kevin Richardson The Lion Whisperer
October 25, 2008 by admin
Kevin Richardson, a zoologist and animal behaviouralist, has raised and trained some of the most dangerous animals known to man.The Kind of Animals most people come to see on African wildlife safaris are what Kevin refers to as playmates.
To do this he does not use the common methods of breaking the animal’s spirit with sticks and chains, instead he uses love, understanding and trust. With this unusual method of training he has developed some exceptionally personal bonds with his students. He sleeps with lions, cuddles newborn hyenas, swims with lionesses.Kevin can confidently look into their eyes, crouch to the their level and even lie down with them - all taboos in the normal world of wild animal handling - yet he doesn’t get mauled or attacked. Some people call him crazy; others shake their heads at his unique method of interacting with the animals.To others he is a hero because he has been able to tame and handle beasts that haunt our imagination, triggering our deepest fears.This has earned Kevin the name the Lion whisperer.The Lion whisperer’s secret - get to know the particular personality of each animal, what makes them angry, happy, upset, irritated - just like a mother with a child.
Kevin’s interaction with these animals has raised questions, and dispelled certain myths.Kevin goes to show that animals do have individual characters, they do show feelings and most of all they can develop a special bond with a man.Not only does the whisperer get them to do things but he makes these dangerous creatures to show their playful side.The relationship Kevin has with these creatures is that of respect. Both man and animal have great respect for one another. Kevin treats each individual differently, speaking to them, caressing them and, above all, treating them with respect.Richardson who has been working with the animals for the last ten years , has had his share of close encounters. This in the early days of his work when a four-year-old male lion gave him a lesson he will never forget.He says the beast put him to the ground and bit him until something in his passive attitude stopped the lion.Honestly i don’t understand what he means by that. Maybe the lion wasn’t just interested in having him for lunch.I mean how do you put sense in a lion that is about to turn you into a snack?
Having learnt his lesson early on the lion whisperer says he relays on his instincts to gauge situations and will not just approach a creature especially if it doesn’t feel right.He is also more confident with animals he has known since birth.
November 4th, 2008 at 3:21 am
I’d love to be in his place and hugging, kissing, playing and so on with the lions
Ouffff I envy him
November 26th, 2008 at 3:54 am
Having worked in the movie industry in South Africa for many years, I can vouch that Kevin has become a most respected animal wrangler.
I have seen this man get a lion to follow him through water, and every body knows that lions are water shy, not like tigers who enjoy lazing about in cool water when the temperature goes up.
Not only that he gets hyenas to pose in bakkies for a car shoot. How incredible is that?
Kevin says he realized he had a special communication skill for animals when he was a young boy and found a young bird which needed help.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:06 am
This is the most inspirational footage I have ever seen. Having worked with animals for 12 years, I agree that to get the respect of animals you have to show them respect and understand them. Their moods, needs and wants are crucial to being part of their world. It must be so rewarding to be able to work with these lovely creatures.
January 18th, 2009 at 3:55 am
..yesterday i saw his film…right know i`m his fan from kevin and his work
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:42 am
look.this the 100th time when i ask this question on kevins related sites….PLEASE let me know how can i contact (by e-mail/phone..anything) kevins firm house…businees manager..ANYTHING…i’m not a “fan-type” i really need to know how my request can be viewed by kevin or someone from his staff/crew…adrian_dobrinn@yahoo.com
January 26th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
is kevin richardson married and have any children
January 27th, 2009 at 11:16 am
Oh yes Kevin Richardson is actually married word is that he proposed to her on his birthday. They are now happily married.
February 6th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Kevin Richardsons “gift” with these precious creatures moves me…love over fear!
On my list of “to dos” is a dive trip to Africa & and an i to i volunteer trip to the lion -park for 2wks…
February 23rd, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Does Kevin ever work with or help someone do the work he does?
March 20th, 2009 at 4:00 am
Ok, I know they are a lot smaller, but I had to get to know my Ginger cat Hamish, he was a wild/stray kitten it took me and my other cats 3 months to get him to trust us and then purr. but it was well worth it, so (although jealous) I can appreaciate the attraction of these magnificant cats !! x
March 20th, 2009 at 5:02 am
Very funny Heather, comparing your cat to these huge creatures. Anyway the first time i saw a lion i was shocked at the size of the animal.
March 20th, 2009 at 5:04 am
Jaime i don’t understand your question. about Kevin.
March 20th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Does anyone know where I can find out more info on what park Kevin works at in South Africa. I work on a travel show and would like to do a piece on him! Thank you!
-Katie Cleary
http://www.katiec.com
March 21st, 2009 at 12:30 am
Wow, that was wonderful. I think you are doing a great job. I just love lions (and any other feline animal). I would love to see Kevin in action and hopefully I may make it to the park someday. Beautiful and awe inspiring.
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:48 am
Mutual respect or not, here’s hoping Kevin doesn’t suffer the same fate as Timothy Treadwell did with his favorite wild animal, the grizzly bear.
March 25th, 2009 at 8:08 am
Kevin,
Im so very sorry you lost your little boy.i cried with you. keep up the good work. what you are doing for the animals is priceless.
March 26th, 2009 at 3:38 am
Hello, from California!
Just wonder, if you have an open job position in Lion Park. I would be glad to change my life and work for make better animal environment. I can do some donation to Park also. And, I can do almost everything !
Please, live me the e-mail or any addresses , I can send my resume and the personal information for your concideration.
Sincerely, Natalia
March 26th, 2009 at 8:08 am
I believe that some people have this special gift or blessing from Father to have dominion over the animals. Maybe we all have a bit of this in us. From the Book of Abraham 4:28 “And the Gods said: We will bless them. And the Gods said: We will cause them to be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it, and to have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” I read parts of the book by Monty Roberts and have applied his methods to honey bees, horses and pit bull dogs (I did use lots of time and a few Milk Bone dog biscuits with the pit bulls). I know that we all have the ability to feel the spirit of a living creature. The members of the animal kingdom can feel our spirit from a distance. Thank you, Kevin Richardson, for showing and sharing your wonderful talent with me. The world would be a better place with more kind, loving, caring MEN like Kevin!
April 7th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Hi Natalia, Unfortunately i’m not authorized to give you Kevin’s number. Its nice to know that so many people actually admire him and he has inspired a lot more others.
April 14th, 2009 at 6:41 am
Hi!
I’m Elisa, I’m eighteen and I come from Milan, Italy!
I would like to know if it is possible to write an e-mail
to Kevin Richardson.
I admire him, and my dream is study the lions.
Sorry for my english. it isn’t very well (or good?! ..sorry!).
April 21st, 2009 at 11:03 pm
Wow, Kevin Richardson (Lion Whisperer) is like Craig Busch- (Lion Man) from New Zealand Zion Wildlife Gardens. I think Kevin Richardson should take over the Zion Wildlife Gardens and become new Lion Man to work closely with Craig Busch and spend time with Zion the tame barbary lion in that park. I would love to see Kevin Richardson star in Lion Man Series 4 as new worker of Zion Wildlife Gardens. He will be a second Tv Star ever known to work with lions just like Craig Busch.
May 19th, 2009 at 7:47 am
Is there anyway I could visit his White Lion park. I am very interested in learning to do what he has learned. That is my dream to do what he is doing. Thank you for all you do. I would love to take a trip to your Park and volunteer.
Janice Vest
Alabama, USA
May 23rd, 2009 at 11:51 pm
I live in Australia and last year I accidentally saw Dangerous Companions on TV. I was so impressed, but as I did not see the start of the DVD, I went on the internet. I was really disappointed that the DVD is only available in South Africa and at the Lion Park. I have just returned from a month’s holiday in Cape Town and Durban and, yes, my friends down there contacted the Park and I am very very happy to say I am the proud owner of Dangerous Companions. I think I watch it about twice a day since my return. Priscilla Steck
May 29th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Wow, would I love to be a fly on Kevin’s shirt. What an incredibly lucky man Kevin is to be able to mingle with the big cats. Obviously, he sure knows what he’s doing.
This all reminds me of Christian the lion’s story. He captured my heart. I am 100% hooked on lions and have been fascinated with BIG cats for years.
Kevin, as long as you can do this, keep up the GRRRREAT work! The size of these animals is breathtaking. I can only imagine what it must be like and, what it must feel like to be in there amongst them. WOW!
THE BEST TO YOU KEVIN.
May 31st, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Kevin. Te admiro muchimo. Es impresionante!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Un saludo desde España
July 31st, 2009 at 2:14 pm
I love LIONS and watch National Geographic Channels on Big Cats alot that’s how I found Kevin Richardson, you are really THE LION KING. I couldn’t ever imagine how I’d feel to receive the trust from those Majestic creatures like you do Kevin, I admire you and certainly those big cats too…
Greetings from Germany
August 4th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
I am interested in donating my time for animal or habitat conservation. I am NOT looking for a “conservation vacation”. Any information is greatly accepted. I am looking for at least a year or two. please send me any information to Danv2010@yahoo.com thankyou
August 6th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Kevin Richardson demonstrates that we humans can be allowed acceptance into the animal kingdom when we learn to enter their world on their terms with respect and love. It is not our place to mold animals to fit our design, our specifications or our purpose. Thank you Kevin Richardson.
Henry Beston
Author (1888-1968)
“We need another and a wiser and perhaps a more mystical concept of animals. Remote from universal nature and living by complicated artifice, man in civilization surveys the creature through the glass of his knowledge and sees thereby a feather magnified and the whole image in distortion. We patronize them for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate for having taken form so far below ourselves. And therein do we err. For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours, they move finished and complete, gifted with the extension of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings: they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth.”
~ “The Outermost House”
August 26th, 2009 at 4:41 am
Hi,
I have a flair towards animals.I liked the most to be with them.
Whenever I go to the Zoo, i used to stare on the animals, to figure out what’s on their mind apart from food. We reach there for a vision, but how does a lion or any animal feel about humans being with them. What is running their thoughts which makes them react in a so called “wild” and attack humans.
This is the first time I’m wrtiting about my thoughts on animal behavior. And I guess i can fnd some answers on the same, as I see you kevin, go so close where even anyone would even imagine. This confidence in you on trusting your friends and reaching them so close (with love and not fear) ?
Your concept of communicating with love to them .. I liked the most rather the commanding way..da’s what made me to say them to be your friends and not slaves.
I can see them closing their eyes,letting themselves and playing wth you , like a pet.
or is it a child’s play for you..:-) i donno..
Gift of being a Psychologist made you to read these mighty creatures whom the entire world is fearing ?
Its not a child’s play
Eitherway Mr.Kevin Richardson, you are living the life which many people dream( including me :-)) or a nightmare for a few.
I made up my mind not to envy on you and admire you to the Deepest.
Convey my regards to your friends next time you see them
(If at all you happen to read the lines written by me)
Farewell..
August 28th, 2009 at 7:53 am
Kevin, the thing that you do with lions is amazing. Working with lions has been my life dream. When I head off to college, I plan on going into zoology and working with lions like you. I would love it if I could work where you do. My whole life really is lions because I know they look all cuddly and stuff, but you never know when their instincts might turn on yourself. I still think the thing you do with the lions is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen and I want to do what you do when I grow up.
August 28th, 2009 at 7:55 am
Kevin, what you do is amazing. I want to do what you do when I grow up. I want to go into zoology and work with lions like you do. If I can’t work where you are, I was thinking of working at a zoo in the United States. I really hope I am one day able to go out to South Africa and work with the lions like you do.
October 10th, 2009 at 9:03 am
does kevin accept interns or volunteers? it is my life long dream to work with lions and he would be exceptional to work with. The tone of his interactions with the animals is nothing short of amazing. working with him would be the opportunity of a lifetime.
jessica
lionized@me.com
October 15th, 2009 at 11:28 am
A friend sent the video the Lion Whisper to me.
I am an animal lover as my son was, the Big Cats especially.
I am so happy to see that Kevin is loved so by the pride.
My son worked with the big cats, tigers, and lions. Kevin, and my son would have been I think good friends.
http://www.geofflacroix.net
Geoff Daner
I lost him in a car accident.
I am so happy to see Kevin having such a gift. All the best with you goals and dreams.
Love and understanding, goes a long way.
October 24th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
I really would like to know if Kevin is a vegetarian? Heither that or the lions are
November 21st, 2009 at 5:27 am
I have the PPS Lions with or by Kevin and I have tried to no avail to learn who the choral background is by - help please
Thanks
December 4th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Admire the work of Kevin Richardson. That must be what heaven is like to be able to cuddle with a lion!
Does anyone know the music playing in the background for the e-mail that is circulating showing pics of “beasts birds and others?”
December 7th, 2009 at 2:15 am
Hi Kevin,
I really hope you get this. I have been amazed and intrigued by your work. A friend sent me a slideshow of yours I have never been to captivated. I am 52 and free to do anything I want. I would love to be a part of your animal kingdom, doing whatever I can for those wonderful beasts……. My very best Scottish wishes…… Matt…… take care
December 14th, 2009 at 11:14 am
WOW! Moi je l’ai écouté à national geographic et je suis devenu un de ses fan aussi!
December 31st, 2009 at 11:37 pm
Hello,
I am Rajeev Rangwani from India. I am a Big fan of Kevin Richardson and want to become like him. I would really love to know if there is any Job Position open in Lion Park.
I am really Passionated about Wild Cats and want to work with them like Kevin. I know it will take time, but i can live my whole life with Lion’s. I know that i can Do that but i just need to study about them more & i have already started:) I am just 21 and i have enough time to study and do this. I love Wild Cats a lot and want to live with them forever.
If any one can fill me up with just a slight information about Lion Park or any other place in this World where i can work for Wild Cats. I would be Really thankful to you.
I am owning a Travel Agency in Jaipur (India) & want to make enough money in some time so i dont worry about if i am getting payed or not for working with Wild Cats. I have enough time but i want to know more about it now so its easy for me to Decide that how much time in need to Wait.
If any one wants to Contact me: aiesec.rajeev@gmail.com
: raj_nup@hotmail.com
Thank’s
Rajeev Rangwani.
January 5th, 2010 at 5:10 am
To answer Jamie’s question, despite the fact that I have no doubt it so old that she doesn’t care anymore or has found out, Kevin works closely with two people, a man named Rodney, and a woman whom I believe is named Helga. Helga may have left or just taken a hiatus due to raising a family. Admin, I was wondering if it was possible to get his email address? I know I can’t get his phone number, but I suppose it was my only shot. To Teri, I am sorry for your loss. Your worked in a field most people only dream of being able to do. The very fact that he worked with Big Cats means he must have done what he loved every day of his life. Despite being taken prematurely, I do not think he could have lived a happier life than the one you gave him.
January 8th, 2010 at 5:33 am
Hi. I am Aida. I just love to see that there are men on this Earth that are so wonderful and loving and full of tenderness and understanding all of which makes them forget the fear in front of these beautiful and intelligent animals. I am convinced that they do know when we love them and accept their true nature without trying to adapt them to our selfish little needs. sharing the experience of life is what makes the difference. I would love to have the opportunity to work at Kevin’s side for a while, to watch him cuddle with these wonderful animals. would he may be take a volunteer? there are no words to express my gratitude if I could vounteer for a while. kevin, please let me know, please.
January 26th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Hello, I would like to know how I can contact Kevin Richardson?
Thank you
Aurel
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:09 pm
I’m not sure if this is the right place to ask, but is it possible to purchase the film “Dangerous Companions” on DVD that is playable in Canada? I saw this film a couple of years ago on public television and absolutely loved it.
Can you supply me with information regarding the purchase of this film? Thanks for reading this and hopefully I’ll get some good news.
Sincerely,
Eleanor Henderson
Kingston, Ontario
CANADA
February 6th, 2010 at 5:27 am
Kevin fait quelque chose d’extraordinaire, pouvoir vivre cela fait parti de mon plus grand rêve. Mais dites moi comment y parvenir la quarantaine bien passée aucun diplome? et de tous petits revenus, mais si il existe une possibilité d’y parvenir (même si ce n’était qu’aider aux soins des animaux, dans leur milieu)je n’hésiterai pas.je partage totalement les idées sur la façon que Kevin approche les animaux.Avec le respect la confiance et de l’amour on peut parvenir à de belles choses. Heureuse de savoir que cela existe
February 20th, 2010 at 11:27 am
Kevin you are beaut! Any man that can love lions like you do must have a wonderful personality and a warm heart. You are living the dream - well done!
Please can you tell me where I can buy a DVD of the movie ‘WHITE LION’
Thanks and cheers!
Sue
February 20th, 2010 at 11:29 am
Is there also a movie called ‘THE LION WHISPERER’? If so, where can a buy the DVD.
Sue
March 2nd, 2010 at 2:46 pm
this is amazing,i love animals,this pics are wonderful,cuz i thing mother nature is cool and this bigs cats are lovely,i wanna be here like kevin,im so envy for you!!!