When Kevin Richardson decided to cool off in the sweltering South
African heat he was joined by an unlikely swimming partner – a giant
lioness.
But before you fear a massacre, don’t – these two are friends.
For full story and pictures:
Zoologist and animal behaviourist Kevin raises and interacts some of
the most dangerous animals known to man.
With this unusual methods, Kevin has developed some exceptionally
personal bonds with his students, playing, sleeping and even swimming
with animals.
Taking a well deserved swim in the Crocodile River, just south of the
Magaliesburg mountains, Kevin was joined by Meg the lioness.
Weighing a staggering 185 kg this boisterous tawny lioness playfully
splashed around with the experienced behaviourist.
“We went swimming purely for Meg’s enrichment,” explains Kevin who
also majored in Physiology.
“That’s one of the reasons I believe my animals are so relaxed.
“They live very enriched lives.
“Those who like it go for swims, others go for walks in the greater
area and others just prefer to go and chill under a tree in the middle
of the park.”
Meg, 7, and her sister Amy, live in “The Kingdom of the White Lion”,
near Johannesburg, South Africa.
Lions, hyenas and leopards reside in the 650 hectare area not too far
from the banks of the river.
‘The Kingdom of the White Lion’ help to fund predator research in
Botswana and are actively involved in creating awareness around the
globe.
Kevin, who has been involved in countless documentaries and has just
finished working on a new film about white lions, works to create
awareness and being active in lion conservation.
With lion numbers in the wild dropping from around 350 000 animals to
25-30,000 animals over a period of 15 years, the statistics paint a
grim picture.
However Kevin’’s unusual work with these magnificent animals has
captured the imagination.
“People are always amazed that she doesn’t rip me to pieces with her
claws,” says 34-year-old Kevin.
“I assure you every now and again I get a claw going into me. It’s
unintentional and just reconfirms to me how gentle and in control she
tries to be.
“She gets like an excited dog going for a ride in a car. She takes no
coaxing to get her to swim.
“You get in and start swimming and the next thing you know there’s a
full grown lioness beside you doing doggy….umm I mean…. lion
paddle towards you.”
Words by Jack Fletcher
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