I'm A 'Lion Dad' To 4 Lions and Ligers | BEAST BUDDIES

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MEET the self-branded 'Lion Dad' who is the proud father of two lions, two ligers and seven wolves. James Smith, of Stanton Missouri, has been around these big cats and wolves for over thirteen years. He was bottle-feeding them when they were puppies and is still feeding them raw meat today. James is an animal handler at Wild Animal Adventures Park and says he couldn't imagine doing anything else in life. The bond he has developed with the big cats is so strong that female lion Zella will even sometimes suck on James' thumb like a baby.
Video Credits:
Videographer / director: Nate Spicer
Producer: Giacomo Brunelli
Editor: Ethan Edwards
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[@hendriksmedia]

This young man’s humility is what will save his life and allow him to succeed.

[@Liondad_1987]

Thank you 🐾❤️❤️🐾

[@treborironwolfe978]

Wolves, reptiles, I completely agree. Lions.. It worries me that even as "humble" as James is with animals, he still has enough ego and pride to be very dangerous with the lions. I wonder if he has had experience with cheetahs.. they seem to be so much more docile and forgiving than their larger cousins.

[@katherineuribe2952]

Absolutely. Respect is huge when working with big cats, any animal really.

[@Liondad_1987]

@@treborironwolfe978 I have not. Lions and wolves are pack animals. Also you have to be trusting and comfortable while being cautious. It's a fine line to balance

[@treborironwolfe978]

​@@Liondad_1987 It's refreshing to get an actual response from the actual person that I comment towards, thank you for that :) .. You have over a decade's more experience with big cats than I do, so I hope I did not come off as sounding armchair judgemental. I just happen to have a passion for all things animal, and I've seen/heard too many stories about compassionate young zoologists, researchers, and handlers that got "too" comfortable with their subjects. Just stay safe and wary my friend.. I understand they are like your children, but they probably have a different comprehension of parents than most of us humans do.

[@trevorcarey3997]

May God bless him for taking care of the beautiful lions 🦁

[@Liondad_1987]

I love sharing the animals and my passion with anyone willing to look. Yes they are dangerous animals and I take a risk everytime. But to me the risk is worth it. The bond I have and knowledge I have gained out weights it all. Plus getting to be around them and so people such a great side of them is just a bonus.

[@brianaezell3331]

James Smith i would love to work there you do a great job taking care of these animals

[@devaranshant2797]

I'd like to say thank you for taking care of them and showing them love, you're such a great person, I really wanna be like you and work with animals✨

[@kiritarapipipi3252]

You are so close to these animals - keep it up! I enjoyed watching this about you.

[@johnytwotimes4072]

I've been skeptically watching your shorts lately worried you might be an animal lover who was in over their head or maybe a rich kid who uses animals for clout😢 I am so glad that I was wrong. It seems that you are a professional who keeps the animal's interests above their own in the best way possible! So from oe animal lover to another THANK YOU!!! Being a Lion Dad is far greater than being a Lion King 🙏❤️🦁❤️

[@Liondad_1987]

@@johnytwotimes4072 thank you 🙏

[@crazziechristy]

Look at zella closing her eyes sucking his thumb that is pure love♡♡♡

[@6psykes6]

This man is incredible!!! And I'm so glad his employer knows how blessed they are to have him.

[@helsiclife]

The wolves are so gorgeous, they seem very calm next to him. Total trust!

[@Liondad_1987]

Absolute trust

[@katherineuribe2952]

Respect and trust is huge. Wolves are smart and they read body language like we use verbal communication. You can't b.s. a wolf!

[@p.rajeshp.rajesh4142]

They less aggressive than a smart big cat's are smarter but they are more aggressive towards someone or something because They are killing machines Wolves are like dog's in captivity 😅😅

[@MRKRG9]

@@katherineuribe2952 Hey Kat!!!

[@lanatureestlartdedieu9591]

Olam 4675 All predators are killing machines. However, it’s more like, lion=stronger, faster and wolf=smarter, extremely adaptable.

[@suzannestone798]

how can you not love this guy? he's all about the animals. He was born for this

[@user-gl2sj9vt3e]

This guy is very brave. My soul was scared when the lion growled ...I admire this guy . Respect.

[@FizysVibin]

It’s not brave at all, there obviously trained and aren’t wild

[@Anthonys_S]

This guys an absolute hero. His real true love for these animals is beautiful and the amount of work he puts in is staggering

[@stilesstilinski9640]

The mere courage and humility of this guy

[@ellemarr7234]

It’s heartbreaking to see the beautiful babies being further away from James now, due to new state requirements on fencing. You can see in his recent videos how badly they want their dad to snuggle them 😔

[@Sedef208]

What’s his channel?

[@AwesomeSpyro]

At least this guy knows that these animals are dangerous, he knows the risk he takes every time he goes into an enclosure of any of those animals. So many of those crazy big cat owners treat them like they're just big kittens, and then they get a surprised pikachu face when them or someone else gets hurt. Doesn't mean I agree with this guy (or anyone for that matter) keeping wild animals.

[@Liondad_1987]

I work at a facility. I don't personally own any of them.

[@katherineuribe2952]

Getting scratched and bitten is part and parcel of working with big cats. Anybody that works with them for any amount of time know that. It's when you push their boundaries that it becomes problematic. You cannot force a big cat to do things on your timeline. Respect and trust are key.

[@rikicyborgetheanimalguy7019]

I would

[@olivtrees8749]

ALL these folks who own these exotic animals are crazy.

[@Aethuviel]

What's wrong with keeping wild animals? They have nowhere else to go, and even if they did, they have a good life in human care, often better than in the wild. And compared to domestic animals? Domestic animals have all the same needs that wild animals have. They too need to feel free, to move, to play, to exercise their instincts.

[@ellemarr7234]

Love James! People who care for animals like this have the ability to spread compassion and consideration to humans

[@clickbait5714]

I've worked with Lions and Tigers and I have to say that I trust Tiger's way more than Lions. Never did I feel any fear or see any aggression from a Tiger. However the Lions were aggressive and unpredictable. I can only speak of the cats I worked with and I'm by no means an expert.

[@leehambleton9919]

Stop sounding like your an expert then

[@becka57986]

Something about this quarantine that’s got me obsessed with chimps and lions 🐒 🦁 ❤️

[@Liondad_1987]

Haha

[@becka57986]

James Smith u have courage many of us don’t ...you have one of the coolest jobs ever...just not for me 😳

[@Liondad_1987]

@@becka57986 I absolutely love the animals and my life.

[@aig5429]

Maybe you are a chimp🤥

[@Liondad_1987]

@@aig5429 what kind of comment is that?

[@comali2212]

After watching too much videos about the lions, someone can tell if a lion is in a relaxed friendly mood or in an irritated aggressive mood by the expressions of the eyes and face and the movements of the tail.

[@sandeelizakowski1373]

James, what a privilege it must be for you to be able to have the ability to work and bond with these awesome animals! God bless you, young man, I will keep you and you in my prayers, God has given you a great gift. Blessings to you.

[@frog6187]

This guys talked to me and my family when we went to that zoo. He taught us a lot

[@FlameFox99]

I love wolves and seeing them being so calm is amazing they are beautiful. Zella and Thanos are amazing.

[@born2win259]

What a calm and down to earth guy. I pray your always safe around these apex predators.

[@jaystacks5249]

The fact he can go in after having a wolves scent on him is amazing

[@brychua]

Part of the pride and part of the pack. Oh boy, he's living the dream 😍😍😍

[@awolfadventureawildconnect5311]

So proud of you James. Keep it real and Professional. Keep living your dream man ♡

[@juanitaslaughter3543]

I am so proud of you son. The Love you have for the animals shows very much.

[@AngelxWolfxWhisperer]

The wolves were definitely wary of the crew coming in the enclosure. Also, I love this place, and need to come back again when all this covid stuff calms down.

[@mummabearsmith3737]

With all the type and talk of exotic animals atm massive respect for how informative and smart this young man is

[@Liondad_1987]

Thank you ♥️

[@ninawoods-qh7th]

I absolutely loved this. More please 😊❤

[@omarzeitouni2109]

I wonder if there’s a Carol Baskin in his life 🤔

[@Liondad_1987]

Hahaha not that I know of anyway 😂

[@themastergerman9989]

Yes

[@sewerrat9374]

Lion dad: “Wolves are one of the sweetest animals out there!” Me: goes to pet a wolf

[@michealcraig5976]

You are a Amazing person and the animals are lucky to have such a loving person that treats them like they are your kids. I have to say like I always do Waffles and Nahkato are my favorite. Amazing and again Thank you for sharing parts of your life with everybody especially to all of us animal lovers.

[@Liondad_1987]

♥️

[@obedevert28]

You have courage and determination to achieve your goals. Keep pressing on.

[@destinationaddictionsamsar7894]

Fun fact wolfs that have darker coat colors and unusual eye colors have a high percentage of dog genetics in them. From interspiecese breeding of wild wolfs coming in contact with dogs. It can have some health problems sometimes.

[@Liondad_1987]

These are British Columbian wolves

[@destinationaddictionsamsar7894]

@@Liondad_1987 searched about them and their most natural colors are grey and brown, sandy etc. But black fur is not the wolfs genetics but it stems from a dogs that was passed on from years before.

[@katherineuribe2952]

The dark coloration is a recessive genetic variant, buried in the wolves DNA, but through selective breeding by human beings over thousands of years into domestic dogs, that variant became prominent. Then, domestic dogs mated with wild wolves, allowing the dark color gene to be more dominant.

[@kgriggs002]

Amazing James!!!! Portays your relationship so well with them

[@Liondad_1987]

♥️

[@AKbaby89]

I seriously love this guy and his heart👏👏👏👏💜💜💜💜

[@Kutties001]

Man: I am their Dad Lions: Naaah... That human works for us... Roooaaarrrrr

[@-_Khan_-]

Thats awesome James-Good Stuff

[@bohemianlikeyou1988]

Amazing James! Wish you the best in life ❤

[@Velvetx4cove]

Yo! It's, James!! He deserves all the respect he receives from both humans and animals!

[@sharirobb1117]

Wow.. Thanks for all your hard work

[@kikiuovaeriso903]

I LOVE his youtube channel! He is very kind and gentle, the animals love him

[@treborironwolfe978]

Hold up a sec.. Did James say that "the big cats are a lot crankier than the wolves..."? Dang.. I would've never guessed! I have three dogs and a housecat.. guess which three doesn't ever ever ever mess with the other one? :)

[@Liondad_1987]

Hahaha

[@luismiguelrasmijn6153]

in b4 his netflix documentary comes out in a few years

[@Liondad_1987]

Hahaha. I hope not lol.

[@shanesmokes6447]

@@Liondad_1987 you deserve one man

[@GrindDontStop416]

Oh snap 🤔 this is the guy who got the new smile 😧 James congrats buddy ‼️

[@ferdzipassionsubtome2160]

Great! i love the content and it is cool🤩

[@junecoulthard8942]

🇨🇦 James is most definitely a natural with these Beautiul Rescues He Loves his job dearly and they love him. Wow so Beautiful to watch! 🐾🐯🐺🐾🐅🐾🐺🐾❤

[@BlueMoonBee1111]

Cool very cool... I felt the love and respect on both ends...awesome!

[@Liondad_1987]

🐾♥️🐾

[@BlueMoonBee1111]

@@Liondad_1987 I love all animals too... P&L 2U JS

[@alyawaits]

You freaking rock James

[@cynthiaes-sattaty6676]

I am intrigued and in awe of watching these videos ❤ nature's Beauty and what a gift

[@michaeloconnell9259]

Very onformative. Thank you.

[@embracenreborns6997]

Awesome video nice footage

[@ely_boyespera6467]

this man is amazing

[@BeccaNelezen]

I can’t believe how cool this is! ❤️

[@tch6538]

GREAT man !!!

[@sunilbadhan6842]

I’m pretty sure Kevin Richardson is the lion dad.

[@Liondad_1987]

Haha

[@Fordsy1990]

He's the Lion Whisperer duh

[@joicescarabelivieira1605]

I agree 💯. Kevin's Lions are happy u can see. They have huge space, they are in their nature habitat... Kevin's animals are very lucky

[@Jesus-ji8dh]

@@joicescarabelivieira1605 it's quite easy in SA land is cheap

[@vicmelo8683]

His a zoo keeper he no lion king

[@hmm2326]

Wolves just seem like dogs but with pack and hunter instinct

[@Meracog]

I mean housecats are already moody i couldn't imagine big cats.

[@jennifermarie1230]

James is awesome!!

[@mikeskiles3586]

I met this guy before I went to the animal place and he showed my family the lions and tigers and he went in the cage and played with the tigers and lions go to this place it’s amazing and really fun I recommend!

[@JD-kp6pt]

Just 100 years ago, there were more than 200,000 wild lions living in Africa. Today, there are only about 20,000; lions are extinct in 26 African countries and have vanished from over 95 percent of their historic range. And their p0pulation continues to decrease as the human p0pulation increases. ~ ~ India also has lost vast swathes of forests due to growing p0pulation and urbanisation in recent decades, as a result- Endangered elephants and tigers are k.illing one person a day in India as humans continue to encroach on the little habitat that these animals have left.

[@sameers1653]

A lot of this is due to Western interference in Africa. Without western medicine and technology, the human p0pulation would not be anywhere near it is now.

[@Liondad_1987]

It's absolutely sad that these amazing animals are now safer in captivity than they are in the wild.

[@treborironwolfe978]

If you have never watched Kevin Richardson's channel.. his reserve is always proactively seeking sponsorship and support for African wildlife around the world. I admire and respect him more than any other animal caretaker I have ever known of.. unless you count Jane Goodall as a "caretaker".

[@BlueMoonBee1111]

Thank you for that info...will be passing it on. P&L 2U JD

[@MRKRG9]

@@treborironwolfe978 The difference in these 2, Kevin and James is in two totally different spectrums, and for totally different reasons.

[@MsPammo]

Cool guy. Hi from Australia 👍

[@BooBop1987]

Great Story!

[@Snowyness]

did he really just timeout that lion? lol wow

[@chrisdogg1403]

I live in kansas city missouri i did not know that there was a animal park here with gators and stuff ima have to go check that out ain't seen a gator in real life since ive lived and was born in kc

[@richardbye8097]

Nerves of steel to get into that lion cage

[@karenmulloy1085]

Such a good man ,

[@hennyroos5996]

James! ❤

[@ashsgarden1811]

I love this guy. I discovered him on TikTok

[@Anthonys_S]

Imagine a lion sucking on your thumb , how crazy is it to think there’s probably no one or at the very most maybe another 10 ppl ever have had that experience , how crazy is that. What an experience

[@DLmohh]

The music is on point 😂..

[@tmo6517]

James you’re not going to tame the shark... Let that one go.😂

[@warrenlouisiana2277]

This Awsome!!!!

[@ssjlaz4088]

lmao " Well a lion sucking a thumb is a littlle weird."

[@louisejames1844]

A toddler? Time out? God give me strength.

[@Dennis-nc3vw]

Brave guy!

[@lee_marie-5]

i have been there before its so cool

[@zarrzarr9989]

stay safe make sure someone is with you if you need help

[@Tayya100]

Damn zella😘😘

[@alvinasandra1403]

Imagine your food trying to convince you that its not food

[@Natasha_835]

I'm here Indie.. now you know who you have been talking to on tictok... nice to met you James... now you know what I look like an not a white cat hahahaha

[@Darthzinth]

Lion dad is the best

[@Liondad_1987]

Thank you 😊

[@cyclesmoking]

Any concern about having (for example) a wolf’s scent on you when you visit the lions?

[@angelwings7930]

It’s funny how even house cats are like their ancestors. Domestic kitties can be moody and even my darling girl could be unpredictable sometimes. ❤️

[@PurpleLuvEyes]

OMG STEVE I PRAYER FOR YOU AND THE ANIMALS EVERYDAY YES YOU ARE THE.LION DAD 💯 PERCENT I AGREE WITH YOU UNBELIEVABLE AND AMAZING 👏 BRAVO THANKS JERSEY CITY HEIGHTS LORETTA WOW PEACE ✌️ OUT LORETTA

[@snakemannn1744]

Cool ,,,,, well in this short life ,,, it is a must to reach ya full potential no matter how dangerous it is ,,,,, " Live life to the full " ,,,, It is a must to know the proper education before u go all the way in whatever it is .

[@kareneseh2133]

If they trust him as a human being alliance there is nothing wrong to be best buddies because it's all about trust and respect for each other he's a beautiful person and a beautiful animals the best buddies

[@MissyMuthaTruckiN]

omg a young LionDad 😊💖👍

[@Laithstuff]

Did this guy name the lion thanos cause of the movie or I am new to this and the lion Thanos before the movie

[@ritammhmm1201]

I've been watching alot of interactions, tigers vs lions and mostly everytime Im watching someone interacting with a male lion, they wind up getting like that! I'm not educated enough with the whole male interaction with lions but it's very interesting to watch the lions vs tigers and how different the sexes of the two act.

[@nicolebrown6588]

Thanos lol 😆

[@oxbrizzlemynizzlexo]

Why didn't they show the full "hiccup"

[@Liondad_1987]

There was no full hiccup lol. He just got carried away.

[@everettjames854]

@@Liondad_1987 You said the same thing I've previously stated. I studied vet tech and biology in college and did field work zoo's ect. And from my experience between the 2 cats, I found myself being extremely cautious around lions, in particular a male lion. It's odd that there is almost a cult like following between tiger fans and lion fans. Who would win a fight, which cat is bigger ect. My response is always obviously it depends on the cat but I've seen some very impressive male lions that dwarf large tigers. Tiger is the ultimate super cat, very athletic. But when it comes down to it, more times then not the Male lion runs the roost. Certainly an alpha cat

[@katherineuribe2952]

@@everettjames854 Male lions have a will to dominate. It's part of how they survive in the wild. Working with them takes respect and understanding. It must have been really interesting working with them. I'm really glad that there's a push now to shut down shows, like circuses, etc that exploit big cats. And I hope laws are passed so they can no longer be pets. So many of these cats end up in sanctuaries. My greatest hope is that we protect our wild habitats so that these animals have a place to be. The number one problem facing all wild creatures around the world is habitat loss. It's our responsibility to turn that around and to share this planet with all the creatures that inhabit it.

[@reine.chahine5593]

The real lion dad is Dean Schneider

[@Jesus-ji8dh]

Facts no one out there -except a few nutcases probably- that can go in the enclosure with the lions while they are eating and come close with them .

[@russellbumak]

No, that’s Oleg

[@nashrocks2129]

ever heard of Kevin Richardson?

[@Jesus-ji8dh]

@@nashrocks2129 yeh but I personally think dean has a better relationship since he can actually be in there with them while they are eating a fckin zebra bro , hes part of the pride whereas kevin is accepted I would say

[@russellbumak]

Nash Rocks dean and kevin is good but only Oleg make the visitor to approach to the lion

[@deborah5212]

Kevin Richardson rules when it comes to Lions & Hyenas ! There’s nobody more educated then Kevin!!

[@_shmunk6816]

Deborah look up dean Schneider he’s in an actual lion pack and is friends with a hyena

[@ashutoshyadav2973]

Fabulous

[@thekittyfam6070]

I just saw James today

[@hero7879]

James exotic

[@Liondad_1987]

Hahaha

[@wackawackamunv1852]

6:04 thanos lol

[@Maria-nz4iw]

The enclosures seem a bit small. I think centers should only take on animals if they can give them something that is closest to their natural habitat.

[@sqltechzpestechz7053]

Kevin richardson ( the lion whisperer) is proud of you

[@katherineuribe2952]

Kevin Richardson is a good man. I respect and like him very much!

[@Craigdaspike]

I dont think he is hey

[@deborah5212]

I doubt it !!

[@rosequartz6003]

Who's reading the comment section while watching the video? 🙃

[@teresaschlieve5874]

Sometimes

[@teresaschlieve5874]

But it will take Quick

[@teresaschlieve5874]

So I can watch the exoticvideo

[@disksek753]

Lions are beautiful creatures

[@disksek753]

🦁

[@katherineuribe2952]

I agree!