Dangerous Companions

from same titled Documentary on okto, 26 May 2010

Zoologist Kevin Richardson raises and trains some of the most dangerous animals known to man. To do this, he uses only love, understanding and trust. His unusual method of training is revealed in this documentary.

• Brought cubs Megan and Ami, 2 lionesses he finds most gentle and unique amongst the lions he has been with, up from six months to adulthood.

• Plays with them the same way even when they've grown up, lionesses wanting to piggy back him the same way the did as cubs.

• Clearly very affectionate to him, they are like giant dogs, licking his face, hugging him, allowing him to do things probably few ever dare venture, not to mention hugging them.

• Got Megan, to get into the water to reach out for him, whilst holding a 'treat', reflecting their deep bond of trust. Lions typically do not like water.

Can't blog about it, have to watch it this video of

Lioness Offers Cub to Kevin...

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.

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.