Blog Forget diving with sharks … how about swimming with lions???
There’s something to be said about the company you keep. But what about the company you swim with? Came across this article about one of our more unconventional animal behavourists, cooling down in the Crocodile River (fortunately it is now crocodile-less!) not far from Johannesburg.
Kevin Richardson, a zoologist, cools off with Meg the lion in the Crocodile River just south of the Magaliesberg mountains, near Johannesburg, South Africa Photo: BARCROFT
But it’s all in a day’s work for Kevin. He raises, trains and interacts with a host of South African animals - some of the most dangerous known to man.
He’s obviously developed a special bond with some of them. Meg is a fully grown lioness weighing in at a hefty 185 kgs - even her at her most gentle, she’s a huge beast with awesome strength that could cause immense damage to a novice. Kevin is clearly an experienced and respected handler.
The UK Telegraph article goes on to say:
“We went swimming purely for Meg’s enrichment,” Mr Richardson said. “That’s one of the reasons I believe my animals are so relaxed. 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. 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 over a period of 15 years, the statistics paint a grim picture.
“People are always amazed that she doesn’t rip me to pieces with her claws,” he said. “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 …ummm I mean…. lion paddle towards you.”
Want to get involved in the protection of these magnificent beasts? Here are some worthwhile resources: