A lion walks on the private Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve in South Africa, where a woman was killed this week. “Human beings set up that situation.”. National Geographic explorer and big cat conservationist Luke Dollar says people in lion or other big predator territory must always remain alert and “acutely aware of our place in the food chain.” Where possible, stay in a vehicle, he says, which offers much better protection and more options for escape. So even bigger picture, people need to look at the overall role of these private reserves in conservation, Honey says. “That’s not right,” she says. • @gopro. Richardson describes his work with lions and all other dangerous predators as a product of spending more time with them especially when they are young. Sometimes species that are exotic to a region are brought in to attract tourists, even though staff may be ill-equipped to manage them. ", A police investigation was underway. Honey says in many cases the big cat would be shot. Although Richardson was not walking the lions in the immediate or known presence of tourists, other private game managers on the continents do offer such close-contact experiences for guests. 'Zoom fatigue' may be with us for years. We rely on small donations from individuals like yourself to keep doing what we do. Kevin Richardson’s passion for the animals that ultimately brings your shots to life, and his years of experience has made him a leader in the commercial filming industry. #savelions #savehabitat #wildlife #kevinrichardson #interspeciesfriendship … JOHANNESBURG — A lion that mauled a young woman to death in South Africa was under the care of a man known as the "lion whisperer" for his close interactions with the predators. In Africa lions currently occupy less than 20% of their historical range and are declining rapidly. “If we love these cats so much why do we feel the need to touch them or hug them or walk with them, as though that is a natural occurrence?”. But most importantly, he wants to highlight the link between cub petting and ‘canned’ hunting. The victim had joined a friend who went to the camp for a "school project," said spokeswoman Constable Connie Moganedi. Update: This story was updated on March 5 at 4:50 pm ET with a line to make clear that Richardson wasn't leading a lion walk for tourists on the day the woman was mauled, although that is a practice followed by some other game managers. In Africa lions currently occupy less than 20% of their historical range and are declining rapidly. 115,005 talking about this. Kevin Richardson, known as the "lion whisperer," poses with one of his lions in the Dinokeng Game Reserve, near Pretoria, South Africa on March 15, 2017. Their numbers have plummeted over several decades. Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright © 2015-2021 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Kevin Richardson posted a video to playlist Wildlife Rebroadcasts. His mission is to highlight the status of Africa’s most iconic predator, the lion, through his work in the media and alongside fellow campaigners, researchers and scientists. Kevin Richardson is a world-renowned wildlife conservationist and filmmaker, recognized by his persona as the ‘Lion Whisperer’. Along the way, he has built a substantial following and personal media brand that generates revenue and allows him to continue doing what he loves. Early life And work with experienced guides who know animal behavior and the local area well, adds Dollar, who is also a professor in the Department of Environment and Sustainability at Catawba College. "When they were about to leave, the lioness attacked the young lady.". He owns and operates the ‘Kevin Richardson Wildlife Sanctuary’ at the Welgedacht Private Game Reserve near Pretoria. Kevin Richardson, zoologist and animal behaviouralist, raises and trains some of the most dangerous animals known to man. Unauthorized use is prohibited. One of the lionesses charged off after an impala and must have run 2 to 2.5 kilometers [1.2 to 1.5 miles] where she encountered the 22-year-old outside the car.”, Martha Honey, the executive director of the Center for Responsible Travel—a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that advocates responsible tourism—says people shouldn’t blame the lion for doing what big predators do. But the rules are often much more blurred on private reserves, where governments often have less legal or practical oversight. Kevin Richardson, known as the "lion whisperer," ends a two-hour walk with three of his lions in the Dinokeng Game Reserve. FILMING Whether you are filming a feature or documentary with wild animals it is a massive undertaking that requires time, patience and a certain something that will set the final product apart from all the rest. But others were hastily cobbled together, sometimes on marginal lands of little ecological value. “While it may be a thrilling experience for a person to do, and they may think they are helping wildlife by doing so, I don’t see an obvious connection,” Dollar says of such tourist walks. Kevin Richardson – a name that defies the limitation of choice. All rights reserved. 131,662 talking about this. How to breed a climate resilient sunflower? “We assessed the landscape for other big 5 animals and as per procedure sent out a notification that we were walking in the reserve. The Kevin Richardson Wildlife Sanctuary’s mission is to provide a self-sustaining African carnivore sanctuary for the purposes of wild species preservation through education, awareness and funding, especially pertaining to the rapid decline of large carnivores in Africa due to habitat loss, human-predator conflict, the illegal bush meat trade, unscrupulous hunting, disease and their illegal trade. From singing competitions to food preferences, scientists are learning whales have cultural differences once thought to be unique to humans. At the same time, “myself and an experienced colleague took three lions walking in the reserve, as we do on a weekly basis, as part of their exercise and stimulation regiment,” Richardson wrote on Facebook. Ambassador. Kevin Richardson’s unique relationship with some of Africa’s apex predators has captivated the imagination of many people throughout the world. We are challenging you to give up one cup of coffee every month for a year in support of Kevin Richardson and his mission. Kevin Richardson, Stunts: Human Prey. Sometimes private reserves have their own codes, but they are rarely standard and aren’t always followed, says Honey. On public lands, guides must often follow strict codes that require them to stay on paths, avoid baiting and disrupting wildlife’s natural activities, and keep at safe distances. The killing of a young woman by a lion at a private game reserve in South Africa has stirred debate among the conservation community about the rules governing such enterprises and the role of such experiences in saving the species. Popularly known as “The Lion Whisperer”, Kevin has extensively worked with the native animals of Africa. Sylvia Earle and marine scientists work to protect our oceans’ ecosystem. Here's how we'll cope. Richardson and the sanctuary could not be reached for comment at the time of this publication, but Richardson wrote on his Facebook page that “I am devastated, and my heart goes out to this young woman’s family.”. Hey Lion Whisperers! By taking note of their temperaments and behaviours, Richardson was able to form strong bonds and survive in close proximity with them. "The lion that was involved with this fatality was not one of the wild free-roaming lions of the Dinokeng Game Reserve," the management said. Hyenas Scents and Sense Abilities - Hearing | The Lion Whisperer After finishing the interview, the woman began taking photos with her friend. After a young woman was killed in South Africa, experts debate the safety of "lion walks" and other practices on private game reserves. Cecil, who was being studied by scientists at Oxford University, was wearing a GPS collar when he was killed. The woman died at a tented camp run by Richardson, who said he was "devastated" by the killing. Launched in early 2018 the foundation is committed to changing and reversing the state of Africa’s declining lion population by purchasing habitat and raising awareness to create safe, natural spaces where lions and other native species can flourish. He said he hoped his hands-on interaction with lions, including caressing and cavorting, would help to highlight the plight of Africa's wild lions. Richardson campaigns against the South African industry in which customers kill captive-bred lions in relatively confined areas, and told the AP that many of the lions in his care were rescued from being transferred to facilities where the practice labeled by critics as "canned hunting" occurs. “If they did know that, would that change their interest?” Dollar asks. Look to its ancient cousins. “We need more carefully developed, agreed upon protocols for private reserves that parallel what has been developed for national parks,” says Honey. If they are pursued they need to be done with expert guides and should be near vehicles. (Learn about the National Geographic Society's Big Cats Initiative.). In South Africa, there are more game animals on private land (some 20 million) than in public parks (5 to 6 million). What happens to street animals when tourists suddenly disappear? They are large animals and are very good at telling you how they feel.". Kevin Richardson. Richardson said he followed procedure before the weekly excursion by assessing the area for other "big five" animals, a designation that includes rhino, elephant, buffalo, leopard and lion, and sending out a "notification" that he was walking with lions. At the very age of 22, Richardson became the star wrangler at the Lion Park, which is basically a zoo where his antics with the animals was a hit among the audience. His highly praised work within this field has made it possible for him to create his own lion sanctuary. “Behaviors and programs that skirt the reality of our place in the food chain seem to be an accident waiting to happen,” says Dollar. His mission is to highlight the status of Africa’s most iconic predator, the lion, through his work in the media and alongside fellow campaigners, researchers and scientists. The management of the Dinokeng reserve said the woman was killed "within a conservation section that is not accessible to the general public" but lies within the reserve's boundaries. Kevin Richardson, AKA ‘Lion Whisperer – some hard questions and frank replies. The solution isn’t complicated: Throw them away. Ecotourism could help the ‘Amazon of North America’ recover. Please be respectful of copyright. Kevin and his team always knew that this special group of lions that arrived so many years ago from the Lion Park would eventually pass away, but Amy’s health scare brought this reality home. The Kevin Richardson Foundation does not receive government funding. Kevin Rene Richardson (born 8 October 1974), known as "The Lion Whisperer", is a South African YouTube personality, wildlife conservationist and self-taught sanctuary owner who works with African lions, black leopards, spotted hyenas and striped hyenas. Many people who may participate in lion walks may not realize that if the big cat makes a wrong move, it may be shot by a watchful guard. Kevin Richardson is known for his work on Human Prey (2009), Safari (2013) and White Lion (2010). Honey agrees that walking safaris near known predators can be dangerous. Kevin Richardson, who keeps lions at his animal sanctuary in the Dinokeng Game Reserve, said on Facebook that he and an "experienced" colleague took three lions for a walk in the reserve on Tuesday and that one chased an impala, eventually encountering the 22-year-old woman at least 1.2 miles away. Here’s how. He focuses on working to minimize the number of animals in captivity. The Kevin Richardson Foundation is a non-profit conservation organisation with nature’s most majestic creature, the lion, at its heart. 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On Tuesday, a 22-year-old, unnamed woman was mauled to death while visiting a popular private wildlife sanctuary run by Kevin Richardson, the well-known “Lion Whisperer,” near Pretoria. Join us today and support Kevin’s mission to protect lions and give up one cup of coffee a month for lions. His mission is to highlight the status of Africa’s most iconic predator, the lion, through his work in the media and alongside fellow campaigners, researchers and scientists. Some private reserves are very well managed and support science-based conservation programs, such as captive breeding and reintroduction and public education campaigns. Kevin Richardson, known as the "lion whisperer," poses with one of his lions in the Dinokeng Game Reserve, near Pretoria, South Africa on March 15, 2017. The Kevin Richardson Wildlife Sanctuary’s mission is to provide a self-sustaining African carnivore sanctuary for the purposes of wild species preservation. "I have been accepted as part of the pride," he said in the interview. This week one of the lions broke away from the group and attacked a woman nearby. In Africa lions currently occupy less than 20% of their historical range and are declining rapidly. This week one of the lions … Citing rotten food, separating young cubs from their mothers, missing animals, and fraud, court cases aim to end the most exploitive practices. Kevin Richardson loves lions – to the extent that he has rescued and rehomed several. • @craghoppers. In Africa lions currently occupy less than 20% of their historical range and are declining rapidly. New research on Indian jumping ants shows they can undergo dramatic reversible changes previously unknown in insects. , Kevin Richardson is a world-renowned wildlife conservationist and filmmaker, recognised by his persona as the ‘Lion Whisperer’. Kevin Richardson is a South African zookeeper, YouTuber, wildlife conservationist, and wildlife sanctuary owner who primarily works for the protection and conservation of African lions, black leopards, and spotted hyenas. New clues rule out one theory. Kevin Richardson, The Lion Whisperer, walks with Livy, Ginny and Vayetsi and explains how the three of them became a group. “Is this really helping to protect animals that are endangered?”. The "intimate glam camp" with five tents is an hour's drive from Johannesburg's main international airport, according to Richardson's website. Why was the ancient city of Cahokia abandoned? Some conservationists say captive-bred lions lose their fear of people and should not be released into the wild, partly because they pose a heightened threat to humans. IE 11 is not supported. This fish stuck in a disposable glove is a warning about the risks of COVID-19 litter, ‘Tiger King’ stars’ face scrutiny in court, How scientists found 'Nemo,' Australia's newest dancing spider, These ants can shrink and regrow their brains. Have a fab weekend everyone, go #hugatree and take that #digitaldetox. Personal protective equipment is made of plastic and isn't recyclable. "The young woman was not a guest at the camp, but had accompanied her friend to conduct an interview for an assignment with the camp's manager," he said. Kevin Richardson, known as the "lion whisperer," ends a two-hour walk with three of his lions in the Dinokeng Game Reserve. The victim's family is "traumatized," said Moganedi, who declined to provide details about the victim. Richardson wrote that the woman had not been staying at his sanctuary but had been on the grounds to accompany a friend who was conducting an interview with the manager of the sanctuary’s associated Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve, a tented camp that is popular with tourists. Experiences that expressly bring people and lions together on “walks” are risky because of the unpredictable nature of the wild animals, she says. Why a whale's world is a world of sound, Video Story, Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright © 2015-2021 National Geographic Partners, LLC. In an interview with The Associated Press last year, Richardson said he does not breed lions and that those on his 3,200-acre property feed on donated carcasses of cattle and antelope. Supporters of Richardson say he does not conduct lion walks for tourists, although experts warn that any close interaction between people and lions can be dangerous. ~ Kevin Richardson - The Lion Whisperer ~ UPDATE: Thank you so much for the support. All rights reserved, Learn about a death at an animal park in China, Learn about the National Geographic Society's Big Cats Initiative. For the full video on #LionwhispererTV click here: https://youtu.be/YBb7Rng8ir0. How to stop discarded face masks from polluting the planet. "Before leaving the reserve, the two visitors were taking photographs outside the camp where the attack occurred. He left behind a pride with young cubs. 116,985 talking about this. 89,551 talking about this. Kevin Richardson is a world-renowned wildlife conservationist and filmmaker, recognized by his persona as the ‘Lion Whisperer’. “Human beings put the lion within this cage, even though it’s a rather large cage, and subjected it to other human beings, so we have a responsibility to recognize its continued wildness and not blame the animal.” (Learn about a death at an animal park in China.). Why you shouldn’t fear a little mud on your next hike. Kevin Richardson, The Lion Whisperer Posted by: Danielle L. Kevin Richardson is all but ordinary with his unique career in wildlife conservation and filmmaking. Lion Whisperer, Kevin Richardson, is on a personal mission to protect Africa’s carnivores. Such close proximity to animals is rarely allowed, at least legally, on national parks around the world. He has presented and produced several documentaries that detail his relationships with the animals and highlight the plight of lions both in captivity and in the wild. Zoologist and self-educated animal behaviorist Kevin Richardson, otherwise referred to as "The Lion Whisperer," has an unique association with animals that has actually been developed over years of administering to substantial predators like lions. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Your brain will thank you for it! Some reserves promote controversial “canned hunting,” in which hunters pay for the right to shoot a lion in a closed-off area. Through education, outreach and funding, our mission is to bring awareness to the rapid decline of large carnivores in Africa due to habitat loss, human-predator conflict, the illegal bush meat trade, unscrupulous hunting, disease, and illegal trade. 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. It’s currently unclear what happened to the lion after the attack. Kevin Richardson was born on October 8, 1974 in Johannesburg, South Africa. When he turned 23, the Lion Park offered him a rare opportunity to work with two, six months old lion cubs, “ Tau and Napoleon.” “I need my supporters and online family to start preparing themselves for this inevitable truth. A lion under the supervision of Kevin Richardson, the so-called lion whisperer, killed a woman on Richardson's animal sanctuary. “We have to remember that wild animals remain wild, even if they are in cages—even if the cages are large, cordoned-off areas,” says Honey. • Literatur von und über Kevin Richardson (Zoologe) in der bibliografischen Datenbank WorldCat Now it’s being found everywhere on earth, including the oceans. "But I have to be very careful.
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