Is there a mute button? Kevin Richardson on his critics

The Lion Whisperer Kevin Richardson responds to critics, those on social media and from within his industry. Richardson says he has seen a lot of hypocrisy, those who speak out against him now were the beneficiaries of his relationship with the lions not too long ago.
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Episode debuted nationwide in 2019.
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[@barbaradyson6951]

Why on earth would anyone not respect this man. He's so professional by not naming his critics. His critics are short òf a brain cell.

[@scottielambert9312]

Maybe short of a chromosome or two

[@ksc743]

His worst critics are actually other conservationists and they can be seriously vicious.

[@barbaradyson6951]

@@ksc743 you'd think they would all want to help each other. From what I understand the incident happened at another conservationists and it is not know whether the lady who was killed had her window down in her car or if the window had been open the whole time she was in the park.

[@ksc743]

@@barbaradyson6951 I'm not referring to any incident altho I know which one you're referring to (the young lady was standing outside her car taking photographs on an open game reserve by the way, with tragic consequences). By conservationists I mean other people who try to save wildlife in their own way. They disagree strongly on the way it should be done. I support Kevin bc the lions he has he saved from canned lion hunting. It's not as if he went and bought some lion cubs to make money off them. He has done amazing work raising awareness about the plight of african lions - how their land is disappearing, canned lion hunting and the lion bone trade. He doesn't breed his lions and he takes such good care of them. If a wild animal has somehow landed up in captivity then they are lucky to be in Kevin's sanctuary. But there are still some - maybe jealous - conservationists out there who say the most vicious things about him.

[@barbaradyson6951]

@@ksc743 i have yet to know of any charity or conservationists agreeing. I would never take issue against kevin richardson. I believe he is following in the footsteps of joy and richard adams. Born free. I have also heard the woman killed thought she had a spirtual connection with animals. Unless we were there all we have is gossip.

[@willyrose19]

Kevin inspires millions of people all over the world and along with his lions bring so much joy and a very important message that the world would be a very sad place without lions!

[@rachellewis9251]

Thankfully this man has a strong character and brushes critics off same thing happened to ceasar Milan with dogs and as they both say what are these people doing to help

[@hollybock8463]

Please don’t compare him to someone who uses intimidation and outdated methods.

[@kandicemcquary-fortner8106]

Kevin is an AMAZING human being! He’s never, EVER done anything to harm or exploit his animals and I will gladly support his KZbin channel as long as he does it. Thank you for taking the time to learn about him and share his remarkable story with many more people in the world.

[@pattyhughs2]

This man, Kevin Richardson is the lions best friend and their protector. I have much respect for him. Believe me Kevin,there are more people that want to see lions protected and thrive than there are people that want to hunt and poach them.

[@helenclarke4735]

But the hunt and poach people are driven by money and money talks, in a big way.

[@pattyhughs2]

@@helenclarke4735 you're right but hopefully there are more people that want to help the lions than hurt them

[@helenclarke4735]

@@pattyhughs2 :)

[@TommyGetTheBag]

#Helen and Patty. I pray for the wildlife in many countries. I lose sleep for the abused elephants in India, the dogs in Asian countries who are tormented and end up on someone's dinner table each night. But most of all I am scared because wecare losing humanity every day. Why do I think that ? Because the cold hearted men are thoroughly enjoying torturing and smiling for the world to see. How can we ever go to sleep at night knowing the reality of how heartless people can be ? How can these animals stand a chance ? How can we stand a chance of turning people's hearts around to kindness when they are emotionally ignorant to their actions ? I don't even know where to begin.

[@helenclarke4735]

@@TommyGetTheBag Amen.

[@rachelschwebach7566]

Kevin has amazing relationships with lions and it is obvious the animals love, trust and enjoy Kevin. I agree that it is not a good idea to have lions as pets but Kevin saved these lions from the canned hunting industry. They have probably the best lives in captivity that any lion could have.

[@xDinomanx]

And that's the thing, his methods are not like other conservation reserves either. He doesn't treat the animals as if he "owns" them. He is quite perceptive and respectful (which is the result of years and years of working with them). The lions respect him because he understands a lot about them psychologically (as he comes from a background in health and fitness).

[@maggiethecat1538]

Kevin has proven consistently over a long period of time that his bond with the animals he has hand raised, has sustained a deep and profound bond. He has been a global hero as far as substantially increasing global awareness about the plight of captive and wild Lions, canned hunting and the lion bone trade. Deep respect for Kevin. I have combat level CPTSD and the videos help me immensely. God bless Kevin, his Babies and his Mission. ❤🦁❤

[@Dave68Goliath]

It's not only about feeding his Lions. It's their medical care too. Kevin is worth every penny he receives from posting the videos.

[@alisonoosthuizen2512]

Thank you Kevin

[@The-ii5mj]

Kevin has always respected they are wild animals first. What he did, saving these lions, is wonderful. People need to read his back story b4 they judge him.✌ I respect him!

[@barbarahughes9679]

I do , too. Do the idiots out there really think these cats would run to him when he calls if he was abuseing them? Even a house cat or a dog on the street will do that. These people need to get a life.

[@The-ii5mj]

@@barbarahughes9679 Agreed✌. There was a new channel I need to find that I'm a bit sketchy about only bcuz the man "Lives w/Lions" but you never hear him say "that firstly they are wild." I'll try to find it again!

[@Patriot842]

This is our Kevin. We who support his sanctuary support him; because we believe in what he's trying to do for the big cats.

[@margaretpierce4342]

Great interview‼️Kevin has become such a pro at public speaking..kudos..

[@TommyGetTheBag]

I adore watching wildlife through the eyes of someone who is on the ground, so to speak, with the wildlife. I'm so grateful for Kevin Richardson, he loves and cares for the wildlife that crosses his path in life. I'm so grateful that he was born to love animals, to worry about the animals and yes, to cry when tragically, he can't save them all, even when his heart is breaking. I'm grateful that he uses his hands to hold his loved ones instead of firing a gun at them. I love watching lions run to him for a hug ❤. I love watching him roll around on the ground with a male lion, and "love" wrestle with him and his magnificent mane ! I am grateful to Kevin for taking me away from noise and traffic to enjoy the lions and Africa every day. We owe him gratitude and not criticism. I wish him and the lions well for many years to come. I will be watching from USA.

[@WhiskeyShred]

We live in a world where more people would rather tear down and cancel everything and everyone..and it’s happening in front of our eyes with Lions and wildlife but it’s still not the focus of any of the challenges of our lives the way it should be.

[@kristypenman4623]

Hi Kevin, I am so sorry you are receiving a lot of grief from people that dont know who you are. I suffer a lot of anxiety and watching your videos with these beautiful lions have calmed me right down. Thank you for taking the time on the KZbin videos.

[@ellarobertson1865]

Ah Kevin! You are a wonderful big hearted man. I have such a huge respect for you and you Mandy. The people who criticize and judge you don’t know what they are talking about. I have followed you for long before you move your Sanctuary to Dinokeng Game Reserve. You saved all those animals from certain death eat the Lion Park. May God Bless you,your Team and the Kevin Richardson Foundation. 😀👍🏽🙌🏽❤️

[@debrabiderman4275]

Those who can ....do Those who can't become critics of those who do. I love what you do and how you do it. Screw those mouthy idjits.

[@cookiedee8473]

RIGHT ON!!😀💗

[@GiorgiojoSarogni]

If the tree is good even the fruits are.... Kevin, you're the best!!!

[@Ivanleinster]

Awesome interview. Well done Graham. Kevin is a great guy!

[@iristalamorciccione5366]

LOL @ Kevin's last remark. Well said. Such an Amazing Huge hearted man. Tons of Respect to you Kevin Richardson. Keep up all the great work you do.

[@bettytansill]

Forget the critics. You are doing absolutely what you should be doing. You are constantly growing and changing your views about how you feel lions should live. You are educating people. I feel you take better care of your animals than any other wild animal sanctuary. You are right, it cost a lot of money to feed them, and feed them well. You and your team do an excellent job.

[@Andrea-kt6ds]

There is only good that comes from what Kevin does for these cats. Without Kevin and his love for these beautiful animals, where would they be? Probably in canned hunting, abused, circuses... he has done so much for them. This is his whole life...people always have to have negative opinions with everything.. pay no attention. I love you and your whole crew.for what you are doing...it’s for these awesome animals, their future, and ours. ♥️

[@terriimel2682]

I love the relationship Kevin has with his four footed friends. I think it's amazing. I recently joined his channel. Keep up the great work you do Kevin. 💕✌

[@terarmy4767]

Your videos with the lions, hyenas and leopards have brought me real joy and reasons for not checking out of this life after almost 10 years of family loss, tragedy and battling a life long diagnosis of depression and anxiety. Thank you. I’m going to renew my membership because it’s definitely worth it. I’ll get rid of Netflix or something. 😊

[@cbdmiracles3593]

*Kevin, Don't listen to those Ass wipes who try to bring you down.. You are doing a great thing by helping these animals and educating the public.. Donations are a part of Every Helping Endeavor! Keep up the Awesome Work Kevin !! God Bless You and MEG too!*

[@twyla2575]

Kevin is compassionate, shows kindness, is highly intelligent and is a positive spirit in our world. Some people are unable to understand or accept him, as he is.

[@lilfeet66]

How dare they use his relationship to get a shot then criticize him??? That s disgusting! People need to shut up and dare to walk in his shoes!

[@lesharris8084]

keep up the good work. I would never go NEAR a lion. So I watch yours. Very enjoyable.

[@keithwald5349]

Some of the critics perhaps look at Kevin's interactions with his lions and mistakenly think that he's some guy who just goes up to lions and plays with them because he either has "magical" powers, or he's crazy. And they may fear that other shallow thinkers will also believe this and try to emulate Kevin with obviously disasterous consequences. They are somehow not mindful of all the years and work Kevin put in to build those relationships (even though he is always pointing that out). Lions will generally not tolerate even unfamiliar lions, let alone humans. And no one in their right mind, not even Kevin, would approach an unfamiliar lion the way Kevin does with his close lion family.

[@helenclarke4735]

Any half intelligent human being knows not to approach lions the way Kevin does. That's like watching someone climbing mountains or racing cars and you do it too because you liked watching it. Jeez.

[@felinasantiago7134]

Bravo Kevin! Well said! 💖🦁💖

[@lynnenee7810]

Don't know how you do this, but it's amazing. Please stay safe and keep informing all of us who love what you do. ❤

[@barbie3139]

Kevin Richardson is highly ethical, wants only what is best for the lions in his care and is making a huge difference in lion conservation and in awareness of Lions in Africa and throughout the world. His foundation will carry on long after he is gone, buying up habitat for wild animals to live freely, and educating everyone about the Lion's plight and the abject beauty of these majestic animals. Please, Kevin, ignore the critics!

[@KetogenicGuitars]

How come so many is critic? I had a bet that 99% would envy this man.0.9% would be just curious. Rest 0.1% would be just trolls. And little later after my envy rush I start to wonder about that frontier he explores. That is phenomenal info he has gathered and published for all the people to explore with him.

[@wtf9958]

Exactly, they are narrow minded. You do an amazing work. If only there were more people like you who truly CARED about wildlife and their land, we wouldn't be looking at such mass extinctions. I'm so glad you don't let negative people bring you down. I very much enjoy your u tube channel. It not only relaxes me and I forget about the b.s. of the day, it's a inspiration. It's a remarkable, selfless thing you do. I appreciate everything you do kevin!

[@Actuary1776]

Kevin is a gift to earth and its inhabitants. Tell the critics to take a fu**ing hike. He loves the animals and the animals love him. His work is ABSOLUTELY therapeutic. Nothing more needs to be said.

[@glenrosesison935]

👍👍👍

[@terriejohnston8801]

Like SO many other folks who TRULY respect @ love Kevin @ HIS respect for wildlife @ our future generation. 👍👍👍There's always critics. Bottom line (imo) the BS is likely over land, money, EGO GREED. Seems like Kevin R. has tons of (well deserved!) support @ he AIN'T goin Anywhere! The Lions 💜 Thank You @ So Do I. Love from Pgh.PA

[@lindaizzard9078]

God bless you Kevin in everything you do. More people have your back. ❤️. Keep up the great work.

[@debiprasadghatak2]

Hell with the critic's. You do what you want to do. Lots of love regard and respect

[@Patriot842]

That's right, Kev. Cowards always like to spew their hate behind closed doors. Debating in a non-judgmental way shows maturity and integrity.

[@beautifulflowers3292]

I am truly amazed by the work you do..I have a love for all animals but never in a million years would I ever think someone could walk and love the animals like you do. Your pictures and your messages are truly beautiful.

[@f.mazz.459]

Keep doing what you're doing Kev, fu** those critics. We know where your heart is

[@rachelschwebach7566]

I think I must be Kevin's biggest supporter. I have learned so much from him about lions, leopards and hyenas. I support the Kevin Richardson Foundation to help lion conservation. As far as the lions in Kevin's care are concerned, he gives them the best life in captivity that he can.

[@thelordismyshepherd4982]

We appreciate all the amazing work you do... It’s very inspiring. Your KZbin videos of the beautiful lions and animals in your sanctuary have also helped cheer me up and brighten my day, in this current lockdown season / global pandemic. Thank you for all you do to inspire so many, and for your amazing conservation work and all you do to take care of the animals in your sanctuary.

[@courtneynelson2127]

I agree with you Kevin, on every point you made in this video. Your videos opened my eyes to the lions way of life. You stressing the fact that these lions are wild , that you have built a relationship with each of them before each of the pac allowed you to be a member of each pack stresses that anyone who wants to interact with lions must take responsibility, after educating her or himself. My advise : ignore your critics because you are doing good for all of the various societies on this earth. KEVIN, KEEP-ON KEEPING-ON.

[@SalveRegina8]

God bless you, your family & the wildlife.

[@jeannenora6113]

Kevin, you are one of the best humans on earth. We love what you do. Please carry on.

[@Twelvee144]

Kevin’s awesome.

[@firedad7341]

Keep doing what you are doing Kevin.

[@dianewigell578]

Being a Wildlife Rehabilitator myself, Kevin..you just do your thing. Take care of the animals and no worries!!

[@NormaJean87]

💜 Kevin Richardson, super cool friend of lions 🦁 ✝️🙏♥️♌

[@daniellefiliatrault499]

Dear Kevin what you do is a miracle and people always put down people that are doing good like you, it's easy for people that don't understand what your doing to criticize they are not in your shoes and work hard to do what you do we are not talking just one day here bout long turn commitment day in and day out it takes gots to do what you do # to Kevin

[@poojitashivamurthy921]

Love u kevin.

[@marcuspowers5914]

Critics run with critics

[@sandrakernanec4085]

Je suis française et je regarde les vidéos de Kevin depuis des années . Je respecte et admire ce qu’il fait

[@colintrott2045]

Keep going kev you have a fantastic relationship with them

[@lauraplombon1844]

❤❤

[@LaicieDaze]

"Hands off..." Pffft Kevin isn't trying to include the animals into *his* world, *they* are including him into theirs. He's done more for them than anyone I can think of, along with what Steve Irwin did.

[@ridwanhusainishraq]

I respect this man a lot

[@pavlovsworld9122]

I believe there has definitely been a shift in organizations especially in north america to being way more militant in their approach and attitude.

[@teresaserrano6187]

That right Kevin .... You let them know to stay quiet 👍.

[@jennifermiller7813]

I don't understand how anybody can be a critic to him. He cares so much for these animals

[@ludmilalapshinaabramina6950]

❤👍

[@weseve9067]

I really believe in the good Kevin is doing.

[@throwball2248]

Kevin don’t even waste your time reading peoples opinion . What your doing is important these animals need you.

[@swisstrader]

Ventilating them or venting them??

[@ndoniyamanzi9210]

Ventilating is the correct word

[@richardfloridaman]

I don't believe in friends at all. They use and stab you in the back afterwards. I love his KZbin. I'm going to become a member of his channel just so I can invest my money into his project.

[@rainnedevlin6516]

Kevin, I think you are awesome, and as a matter of fact, I get into heated debates defending you. And if they don't like what they're saying, then I tell them to fuck off.

[@alisonleigh100]

“Then shut up” 😂😂

[@Lady8D]

Kevs sarcastic voice left me wondering if he was actually serious for a moment lol

[@swisstrader]

Feed all critics to the lions🦁

[@karenlouisemcmaster765]

All I will say is yes, to trauma healing, Meg and Amy helped in huge way after my moms passing .... 😢

[@lisakn27]

I can't imagine anyone criticizing what he does. He takes great care of his animals..all of them or they wouldn't be so healthy and they wouldn't trust him as they do.

[@helenclarke4735]

Some strict conservationists criticise him for using his animals his films and commercials. They say he is exploiting them. As he said, he uses them for a good pupose and I understand it. Anyway the ones that don't want to be on camera he doesn't make them.

[@user-ld7uj9pv8e]

Critics ??? He is gorgeous and has an amazing bond with beasties.

[@laracroft9079]

The way graham's legs crossed made me so uncomfortable

[@marcelofelice3255]

There are defintely a fair share of ~10% of people that are just like flies. Pointless and annoying. Utmost respect to Kevin's work.

[@NxDoyle]

I'm not critical of Kevin Richardson's 'methods' because I don't know if his interaction with animals is unsound, as some of his more authoritative critics say. I'm fascinated by the animals and I enjoy his videos. But I'd be lying if I said there was no ambivalence.

[@rickjason215]

I think everyone wants the animals to be free, including Kevin. I can’t judge him from NYC. I’ve watched his videos, but the truth is that it’s a complex problem that I know very little about. The cost of his sanctuary must be very high. I doubt KZbin pays for it all.

[@krisaaron5771]

Some lion "sanctuaries" raise money by selling the public direct access to the lions -- allowing people to hug and pet them for a substantial fee. Obviously, Kevin doesn't do that. I'd like to hear his opinions on the practice. Not talking about zoos, where people can observe the animals from a respectful distance, but actually touching the big cats (and big cats seem to be the most popular for this behavior, along with wolves). It must stress the animals horribly, but it seems to be a common practice among sanctuaries. So does captive breeding; again, what are Kevin's thoughts on this topic?

[@helenclarke4735]

He's already addressed the practice of cub petting. He says that after the cub is too large to be petted it is used for the "walking wiith lions" experience. When they're too big for this then they are sold into the canned hunting industry, where they are shot for trophies in enclosures they can't escape from. People use these animals for profit their entire lives and in many cases don't care for them well in between. As for zoos, some are good, but most have really grim living situations for the animals and conduct no research or education.

[@krisaaron5771]

@@helenclarke4735 Thank you! There's a Ukranian animal park (Taigan) run by Oleg Zuhkov that was recently stopped by the courts from allowing people to go in with the young lions and pet them. I can't get the owners to tell me what happens to the lions when they reach sexual maturity and can no longer be touched. I do know they're expensive to feed and care for. Park owners who permit that are exploiting them terribly -- they're taking advantage of the public's ignorance.

[@helenclarke4735]

@@krisaaron5771 Exactly. Whatever his relationship is with the animals, allowing the paying public is an accident waiting to happen. Kev says that if you ask and can't find out what going to happen to the animals then you shouldn't support the place by going there.

[@kkkkit]

Terrible audio 💩

[@myprophet1]

The leg on that chair is driving me nuts. Hope he doesn't fall.

[@glenrosesison935]

😂😂😂

[@lordascot5518]

Kevin Richardson looks like George W Bush. Sly. I don't believe his story about saving lions Amy & Meg as cubs. Why don't any photos of them exist as cubs? Hmmm?

[@helenclarke4735]

Photos do exist of them as cubs. Look at some of his old documentaries.

[@humaidhannooman4902]

Lol.....it's in KZbin

[@SuperFreedom56]

People, his name seems to be Kevin Richardson;) Unless I'm wrong - up to you Kev;) The beasties are frowning;)

[@acousticboy9029]

but if they attacked him they would get shot

[@lennarthagen3638]

Shut up?

[@whitegoodman7465]

131 views and 0 comments..yet 392k subscribers, most of them are bought/fake subs. I could post a vid right now and get more views lol cmon guys, be real.

[@vendettamedianl]

Lol you are making money from the fun and happiness of the animals you care for. How is that a bad thing? The animals are still happy at the end of the day and because of the money they can keep a full belly.

[@hendrikasunqrout571]

Critics go to hell, please?!!! They just like the sound of their own voice. We are also entitled to some enjoyment. So yes, please find another hobby and diss your own asses.

[@josianeraphaelle.sieuros9857]

Le journaliste est très bien mais l autre ,personnes est un peut trop narcissique et surtout trop imbu de sa pe sa personne , dommage pour ses Lions .

[@sadaqataljariya]

I am a critic these lions are not real lions, a real lion will eat you in a minute and will attack you , this guy is sending a wrong message, imagine a child sees his videos, and that same child enters a zoo fence in which lions are living, because she watched his videos and then that child is being attacked by the lions who's fault is that, I will tell you, this man Kevin Richardson, he's sending the wrong message, I am for a new law in which in those kind of videos it should be mentioned in each video in the intro that this is no way corresponds with reality, these lions are tamed, pet, and adopted lions who were hand fed by humans

[@ElusiveLion741]

He has said multiple times that he's the only one accepted amongst them because he has a good relationship with them. Anyone else who would try to interact with them would get attacked, he even made an entire video about it. He has restated many times that they are wild animals. He's not sending a wrong message because he has said multiple times the chances of danger that could happen. If people think they can hop into a zoo and pet a lion that's their own falt for a lack of common sense, Not his.

[@sadaqataljariya]

@@ElusiveLion741 I m sorry my friend but I ve seen in many videos that these lions are NOT wild animals they are tame pet lions who were hand fed by him himself he has stated this many times, what about the cameraman? he should be ashamed by himself he is abusing these animals to gain views and money you have your opinion and I have mine soon or late the government will take measures

[@ElusiveLion741]

@@sadaqataljariya 1) They're not tame pet lions, that would imply that they're safe for anyone to be around. If you went in with them, you'd be attacked. They only like Kevin. I suggest you watch a video of people who have visited the sanctuary to see the difference in behavior between Kevin and strangers. This video shows the difference perfectly: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5mmqGWrbbuHg8U. 2) He's not abusing them. He makes videos to spread awareness to the plight of lions and to educate people. It's not like he's the only one on KZbin getting paid you know, anyone who makes any videos gets paid. He uses the money from KZbin and donations to care for the animals. Food,medical care,clean water,etc all cost money you know. As a matter of fact, he rescued the lions from the canned hunting industry. If it weren't for him they'd be in worse conditions and most likely dead. He takes very good care of them. They have big areas, go on enrichment walks, have to opportunity to hunt, companionship etc. He takes better care of them compared to most places. If you wanna criticise people that badly, then how about you go on channels that actually harm these animals. Cub petting and canned hunting videos seems like a good place for you to start. If you want to see bad people treating big cats badly and criticise them, Joe exotic is who you should be targeting. Not Kevin. Do some research before you speak about something you have no idea about.

[@sadaqataljariya]

@@ElusiveLion741 I've seen his videos playing with little cubs little lion cubs and leopard cubs and he is kissing and licking them maybe he is in to bestiality

[@ElusiveLion741]

@@sadaqataljariya You're disgusting. He's not into bestiality. He has a wife and 2 kids. I've watched many of his videos and have never seen him licking any of the animals. He's kissed them on the head before but lots of people do that to their own dogs or cats, that doesn't mean their into bestiality.