Kevin Richardson is a zoologist and self-taught animal behaviorist, who also goes by the respectable moniker, 'The Lion Whisperer'.
Richardson possesses a very unique relationship with large animals that few individuals on this planet have.
As the startling yet heartwarming images below reveal, Richardson has broken almost every rule about dealing with carnivorous and potentially dangerous wild animals.
According to his biography, Richardson "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, and swims with lionesses. Kevin can confidently look into their eyes, crouch to 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."
Richardson holds fast to the belief that as dangerous as the creatures he deals with may be, they carry with them personalities and feelings, just like we do.
Enjoy these amazing stills featuring Richardson, The Lion Whisperer:
[via Mymodernmet.com and Reddit.com, images via Lionwhisperer.co.za]