The Men Who Cuddle Lions I Beast Buddies Special

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MEET the three daredevil men who spend their days cuddling LIONS. First up, we’re with Shandor Larenty in South Africa. Sometimes dubbed the ‘Lion King’, Shandor has formed an unbreakable bond with 250kg lion dad George - but can he immerse himself as part of George’s family and become one with the pride? Next up, we meet Armand Gerber who spends his days cuddling up to 10 roaring lions. In addition to hand-feeding his colossal ‘family’, Armand has learnt an unusual trick - how to play football with them. Finally, we’re with the self-branded ‘Lion Dad’, James Smith. A proud ‘father’ of two lions and two ligers, James has developed a bond that is strong with his big cats, and female lion Zella will sometimes suck on his thumb like a baby.
Video Credits:
Producer: Danny Baggott
Editor: Thomas Orme
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[@lizardwithinternet1314]

I love how that male lion is just like “Buddy, don’t get me started about my mate.”

[@prodigaldaughter6732]

2:54 is sooo sweet.. The lions can barely walk straight because they're hugging each other while they walk.

[@RandomPerson-zn1xl]

It reminds me of the scene were Simba and nala were walking next to each other in lion king

[@hellothere3120]

@@RandomPerson-zn1xl nice

[@davidca96]

It was good to hear him say he doesnt 100% trust them, thats vital. Anyone who claims that usually ends up going too far and the lion reacts at some point. Always respect them, and give them the option to leave at all times. It is really nice to see lions and humans interact with friendship though.

[@thecookingmarathon8017]

Exactly at least he is honest and also very sensible, unlike some people

[@i.9142]

Depends on how strong the bond is, see Dean Schneider with his Lions

[@RizwanAli-ns6po]

Love lions

[@thecurrynoob64]

Kevin richardson go check his channel and you will know you can 100% trust

[@tyler1671]

I trusted any big cat I was around 110% I never had a accident not once ya I got bite and claw scars but thats from playing. Body language is key.. of course I'm not guna trust one if I can tell for say a lion if he's got forehead wrinkles or he's horny.. I'm not going near him.. that's not trusting that's respecting..

[@aryanchauhan9097]

He’s out playing around with them while I can’t even control my cat.

[@hetrickmusavi1239]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@joeanthony419]

Lol 😂

[@gerardberg5543]

@@hetrickmusavi1239 ⁷

[@gaylegilbert6789]

I LOVE IT I NEVER LAUGHT SO HARD

[@Maanicampbell]

Lol I get attacked by my Doberman lol

[@KittySnicker]

Beautiful animals but I’ll stick to my domestic kitty

[@skopos9586]

Big brain

[@learleywells4498]

Hahahaha!!! I agree with you! lol!!!! :D

[@whitexchina]

The lion-dad is so cute with his cubs.

[@wac6294]

U really need to put Dean Schneider in this show he’s a legend love his vids

[@zanzedcloud6216]

and keven richerdson the lion whisperer

[@chelseaschultze1411]

@@zanzedcloud6216 I thought that Kevin Richardson would be here in the video and I was surprised that he’s not in the video. 😊

[@luciferspal]

@@chelseaschultze1411 I don’t think Kevin would do these videos. The way these people treat the animals is completely different from Kevin. He has so much more respect for the animals.

[@jayasmiah6617]

Lion whisperer

[@justjoshingya504]

The lion whisper is pretty amazing too

[@2000labar]

The Lion Whisperer, Kevin Richardson has 23 years experience of working with and caring for dozens of lions, black leopards and hyenas. He recently acquired cheetah cubs. No one has a better bond with their lions than Kevin Richardson has had. He has many videos that prove what I'm saying is true.

[@BlessedToBeSaved333]

Is he in this video?

[@deidremsibi571]

A lion really has to be the most beautiful animal that God has ever created ♥️😍

[@jatoya.s1021]

Lion of JUDAH 🦁

[@jatoya.s1021]

Yes he has 🙏🏾

[@nubianking4203]

Lions are so majestic

[@weifeiprincess8923]

Dean Schneider needs more recognition. Please everyone go and watch his videos. He doesn’t treat his wild animals like pet he treats them how they should be treated. He really bought me in tears because of his bond with wild animals like lion, cheetah and hyenas.

[@whitexchina]

I respect what he does, but I don't like the style of his video-making. These fast cuts & him always acting "happy go-lucky" & putting himself in the middle. It is a bit exhausting after a while. I like to just see animals without someone constantly talking. These magnificent animals don't need music in the backround or crazy video editing. I prefer to watch documentaries or Kevin Richardson.

[@christinemarie9169]

I ♥️ Dean’s videos. I am envious of his life but you’re absolutely right he does need more recognition

[@christinemarie9169]

@@whitexchina the lion whisperer is awesome! Love his videos too 👍🏻

[@jayasmiah6617]

Yes

[@zagros24]

Among the big cats cheetahs are the nicest ones.

[@ericg4915]

They are also the smallest and least scary lol

[@Raghuveer2798]

Because they are small

[@christinemarie9169]

They are one of the only big cats who purrrr when they’re content

[@krisaaron5771]

250 kg = 551 lbs of male pantera leo, complete with fangs and powerful bite! WHY do we love them so much? Why are we devoted to them? Why would we happily spend most of our lives around them, helping and protecting them? To me, a lion face is much more appealing than most human faces, and my life's dream is being loved by a lion.

[@krisaaron5771]

@Jim M But... but... the tail? That darling emoticon of a feline's mood? That adorable club that can drop a full-grown human flat on the ground with a simple twitch? I MUST have a real tail or I'm nothing but a person in a costume (sob). And I'll need a roar... a real ROAR!!

[@natalee217]

Brave man . Clearly you know what you’re doing. Theses beast are beautiful.

[@traciemarsh3288]

That male really loves the man hes so cute

[@naraiancepeda826]

Look at 4:50 how the tigers instincts are activated, when he turns his back and runs, risky job man! Stay safe

[@swinoob616]

this guy has 2 massive steel balls!!

[@easharsidhu7462]

4:31 him- "what is that all about" me- "you should know that"

[@trash-3058]

I love how happy the second one ways All the animals seemed so happy to see him 💜

[@noviaeanderson9004]

Righttt

[@trash-3058]

@@noviaeanderson9004 ?

[@beachbunny8021]

WOW, INCREDIBLE, the lions were HUGGING HIM!!!

[@2000labar]

You should see the affection that the Lion Whisperer receives from his lions, black leopards and hyenas. His lions set the standard for hugging humans.

[@kan8113]

Dean: “laughs in lion”

[@thomasvetor7420]

Awww just seeing Dad n Momma love bonding itz so sweet 2 see that ...

[@elephantgirlies1156]

15:10 'action wise' please this is so heart warming just seeing how happy u r with the animals

[@ashleylynn2701]

Love how he says people that say they trust them 💯 should never work with them!! So true

[@2000labar]

Kevin Richardson, the Lion Whisperer can fall asleep in the lion enclosure and not be harmed by them. It takes trust to do something like that. Check out his KZbin channel and see the gold standard of a bond between lions and man.

[@ashleylynn2701]

@@2000labar yeah I am subscribed to him. He has a amazing bond but he is staying I think for others that they are still wild so anything can happen. He just had a fire out there I heard all the animals are ok thank gosh

[@Devilfish6666]

Hearing a Lion suck on a mans thumb with its eyes closed is probably the most adorable thing I've ever seen

[@louv4437]

Well done love stories like this. Animal people are some of the best humans around

[@thomasvetor7420]

I would agree with big cats showing there love towards ya , is very reawarding...

[@6psykes6]

I've literally never seen a single video/picture/documentary with lions and thought without a doubt that they like the person taking care of them, let alone there be a bond of any kind. My jaw dropped open watching this video - this man (Shandor is his name I think?) and this lion...You can literally FEEL and SEE the bond lion George has with Shandor (the guy interacting with them.) I am speechless!!!!! This is only the second video I've seen of this show/this man, so I apologize if I'm wrong about his name - I am so excited to watch more of this incredible man and these breathtaking animals. Shandor is so smart and kind. I adore him and the bonds he has with these beautiful creatures. "Anyone that says they trust these wild animals 100% - shouldn't be working with these animals." AMEN. I see why Shandors coworkers call him the Lion King...HE IS. 💛

[@TheV3NOM2009]

we got our cub shot!! (Runs away with gopro LOL)

[@sahipkran9447]

3:11 The gap of size between a lion and a lioness is astonishingly huge

[@mariamarin8152]

That's so cute!! So adorable!! Animals are our greatest treasure!!

[@RandomPerson-zn1xl]

Why didn’t they mention dean Schneider that’s rude

[@patrickmcmillan7675]

All you are is dead because your xxxtentacion

[@cheese790]

@@patrickmcmillan7675 what

[@finnharrison3748]

I know he’s my favourite

[@rodolfotsang4327]

Who is that

[@tyleromg8475]

@@patrickmcmillan7675 Huh??

[@hetrickmusavi1239]

They can smell fresh human blood😂😂😂if it was me I would have fainted😂😂

[@AzlianaLyana]

Beautiful majestic beasts!

[@larrymiller4896]

This is fascinating

[@harshithaharshitha5847]

U all are really blessed to live stay with these beasts 👊👊

[@tessthomas8606]

The relationship, trust and knowledge between the South African owners and American owners is notable. Respect due for taking caring of them though other than hunting them down.

[@fabiasshipman180]

They hunt lions in Africa...

[@terria5856]

Fabias Shipman clearly but the care of lions is definitely different between native African owners and Americans owners

[@JAY1892]

Even if I raised one from birth, I’d be too scared to enter an enclosure with a fully grown lion, tiger, leopard etc. 😬😳

[@lot.bajrami]

How about an open enclosure

[@sherryolikong5626]

Love your show!! wish I can cuddle him like you do...

[@billbbobby2889]

Beautiful Majestic Creatures.

[@Cowdyhowdy]

I have a pet parakeet that follows me all the time he died about 2 months ago, now I have a pet cat that LOVES ME SO MUCH

[@a.k.4085]

Not wise....but I'm extremely impressed. I love animals. Some are extremely dangerous but all are smarter than we will ever know.

[@oliviawilhelm4107]

THEYRE JUST BIG KITTIES I LOVE THEM SM

[@ebubejamesoriehi2921]

These guys are the real superhero!!

[@sherylcoetzer1]

I have a lot of repect for those who work with rescues. Thank you.

[@thierrycompany848]

very nice reportage thank you

[@davecarsley8773]

"What I do is... [totally different sentence]... incredibly dangerous". Nice editing.

[@bonniescott6470]

It’s amazing such beautiful animals 👍💕

[@jayydz5833]

I can’t even look at a house cat and tell what it’s feeling lol

[@walkerfrink7006]

the tiger sucking his thumb is freaking cute, like wow, hell yeah pack animals for sure

[@tywanmcdowell4154]

Love this

[@chrisratliff4402]

You are a awsome person....i feel like i get along with all kinds of animals...like you said respect is what its all about ....i would love to be an apprentice to you

[@kellymcdonald9414]

AMAZING💜💜💜💜

[@kristu]

Great video.

[@shannoncallahan6134]

You guys r so awesome!!!! I wish I was one of you!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@danielfernandez4906]

They look so cuuute

[@CB-ps4eh]

God bless you. Wonderful

[@benjamindurand3891]

Amazing

[@lagrandesoeurdegwen3504]

Awww i would love it always loved lions

[@BooBop1987]

Good Video My Friend!

[@janeshnijhawan8884]

It requires great courage bonding ❤❤

[@oluwateniifeosundina2628]

Id recommend kevin richardson amd dean schneider sorta similar

[@bonita3867]

I thought I recognized James n I do! I met him in Branson Missouri! I have video of my daughter n I in with the dingoes! Awesome place to visit if u ever go to Branson!

[@orionlab3402]

I met him and he is amazing!

[@briancarter5412]

Thats amazing...

[@AndyFromCALi]

Balls of steel my gawd

[@deepikarathod8259]

1:37 what a shot

[@aasimyousaf2455]

I wish they'd shown more of shadow the siberian tiger. What an incredible animal.

[@Mrkiran-zt6rr]

You are amazing

[@agnesfenyvesi5148]

Szeretnék ott lenni!!!!

[@mr.crocmonitor392]

Imagine sneezing when next to the loins😳

[@traciemarsh3288]

Beautiful fur babies

[@yolandakeng2066]

Good loving person and God bless 🙏❤️😊 nice!

[@scottandrew8906]

Amazing and beautiful.

[@jerainnium682]

@8:10 That's not a snarl, that's them using the flehmen response. It's a way for the lions to take in smell even deeper with the Jacobson's organ in their mouths.

[@bittersweet728]

Yess thank you!!! I call it the stank face. My cat does it if he smells a female who marked outfront or something. I laugh everytime it looks funny lol.

[@goochiethanos]

I will believe you look quite smart

[@rollajay5301]

George what a beautiful lion

[@sebastianspecter8843]

Kevin Richardson : Olah my boy, who is grumpy today' while lying with pride of lions.

[@elmo10yearsago]

Omg red wolf soo proud for keeping this endangered species here

[@user-id4cu1hp6j]

Imagine the guy getting beat up on the street and says: release the lions Bullies: LOL LIONS- Lions: yo dudes... roar Bullies: AHHhhHHHhHhhhhHHhhHhHhh

[@hellothere3120]

Yisss

[@jonesjones6108]

Cheers to that man 🥃☘️

[@gamewithadam7235]

4:52 - Is this a good idea? What if the male lion thought he was running away and was prey? Or does he see it as a dominant chase?

[@emperorthebest477]

As a cat owner it feels like lion instincts are pretty similar. When they feel you as the part of their family, they don't really mind what you do, unless you purposefuly provoke them. They value you as equal and there always should be respect between you two. Pretty much like humans, the only thing is that they have comfortably installed knives in their paws and you don't so you gotta be mindful if they don't like something. Unknown lions would respond very differently to you so you have to look for their behaviour and mood. If you don't feel the cats and their character - better not to mess with them at all.

[@aloctopus1806]

Its funny if i see the second guy in a bar or something and got into a fight with him i would think i would beat him but turns out he hugs lions for a living .......

[@armandgerber3506]

Hahahahaha that.s funny ....nothing to do with physical strength thanks any way awesome

[@MrsSlocombesPuddyCat]

Amazing the love

[@monsterk9997]

He Handel's the lions so aggressive he's just playing

[@drainmonkeys385]

When you go thru the gate, what are your dangers? .. geez.. I haven’t a clue

[@pacogoseb6737]

To be honest dean and kevin are the best at this

[@cassandrasimonton6313]

Wow that's crazy

[@itsoktobewhite7744]

So cool

[@ragnhild981]

I’d love to do this

[@terrencebaker]

Everyone wants to be a lion whisper

[@kunarmakun793]

a lion as a house pet ain't a bad idea until you realize how much they eat ... HAHAHAHAHAHA a male lion looks so majestic!

[@yingfan8452]

有中文字才好，我才听懂，，👍我喜欢你的小电影🌹

[@cheekymonkeygirl3378]

I always do wild cat purr at home. 😼

[@luvlyselah]

me: sees title also me: *the lion king*

[@joshsantana7792]

Awsome animals

[@ayocairo5451]

Dude popped a lion on the butt lol 😂 I’d be the lions food.

[@glenpolen5562]

I enjoy these videos. And i am very impressed with wild animals and the humans that take care of them. I would like to know if they bathe them, or do the animals bathe themselves? Its like a farmer. 365 days, 24 hrs a day, im sure. Much respect for GODS creatures. Peace and love Glen

[@nsrisearesce4672]

Do you know harness and that Park is called lion and Safari Park north west province I got a tattoo there once

[@stephaniejackson8441]

These lions knew this man

[@moon2360]

What do u mean/

[@officialranveer9882]

Nice

[@Thepinkxx]

2:13 me trying to make new friends