It is still very raw: Kevin Richardson on mauling death

In 2018, a 22-year-old woman was mauled to death by a lion at Kevin Richardson’s sanctuary. The Lion Whisperer describes the lasting impact the accident has had on his staff, and how he is coping with it personally.


Episode debuted nationwide in 2019.

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[btsme]

Watch all the videos. Kevin acknowledges he's aware of the risks.
He does not take his relationship with these animals for granted and does not assume that everything is the same every day.
He made a promise to these animals he took custody of that they would live out their lives in peace and with enrichment.
I find Kevin to be marvelously intuitive and he gives his heart & soul to these animals.
That says a lot for him.
We should all be so lucky to have something we care so passionately about.

[karoonboomie]

HE IS ONE IN A MILLION OF PEOPLE THAT HAS DEDICATED HIS ENTIRE LIFE TO SAVE LIONS, HE SHOULD NOT BE CRITICIZED BUT RECOGNIZED FOR THE GOOD HE IS
KEVIN HAS ALWAYS SAID, THEY ARE LIONS, THEY ARE WILD, THEY ARE LIONS ~ ENOUGH SAID!

[tolemac]

I read the article about this. It was really tragic. People around the reserve and nearby will be notified before Kevin bring his lions for a walk. The woman that been mauled unfortunately wandered off after doing some interview and took photos oblivious of Kevin's furry entourage.

[SanchoGracie]

I've looked up to Kevin for over 10 years. This man's legacy & impact on African predator & habitat conservation will live on for generations to come. He's really only getting started.

[theresatyler]

"Life is fragile"...🙏🏼💓
"It's not a Lion thing, it's a PEOPLE thing."
God Bless The Lion Whisperer..
& all the Staff and Team that put this together❗🦁🐱🙌🏼

[carlottaventi]

How many lions get killed by people? And how many people get killed by lions? Just something to think about.

[haxor]

I read the title wrong and thought he died it scared me so bad

[machinech]

When voluntarily dealing with large animals that present a danger the responsibility for your safety is entirely on you. He's absolutely right, there is nothing to address with the lion.

[henrykirsch]

Best quote of this interview "There's nothing to address with the lion." 🤣🤣🤣

[alisontunny]

I don’t think the interview was a good idea. Whatever the interviewer wanted from Kevin, he didn’t get. Kevin knows what he is doing. He’s not going to change his relationship with his lions.

[mildredgrossman]

One has to remember these are wild has a communication skill with the cats that
most humans do not!

[paulvandeleur]

My heart goes out to the family of this young woman.
So sorry that you and your staff had to go through this Kevin.
Please people, don't blame the lion.

[Jo.]

You can't fault the lion. An animal will do what is in it's nature to do. You can love them, which I do, but give them the space to be who they are.

[Stringman]

Mr. Richardson has much more depth than most give him credit for. How he chooses to interact with lions is not frivolous. I admire him greatly ... but i have no interest in getting close to a lion. Kudos and cheers to Mr. Richardson.

[Denver-tqvf]

The thunderstorm is a very apropriate setting for this discussion

[andreatainui]

Full respect to Kevin for this interview. I absolutely believe in what he does for the lions. Humans need to respect wildlife..kevin has a rapport with these magnificent lions that only a rare few have.

[TRX]

The lesson:

Don't wander into areas where Lions are unless you raised them from cubs. That is the bond Kevin has. Strangers do not have those bonds.

[jeniastrid]

You are very humble man Kevin. I hope you find peace with this event and know you were not at fault. Keep on with your amazing work with these beautiful animals. Love from New Zealand

[TheKissnun]

Great comment Kevin. "positivity breeds positivity "

[mamavswild]

There’s a lot of misinformation in the comments..this DID happen at Kevin’s sanctuary; the lion involved was Ndira. The proper warning had been posted that Kevin was out with his lions on one of their enrichment walks in the enrichment walk area of the park. The female journalist who was visiting, for an unknown reason, got out of her her car at the EW area while Kevin’s was out.
Ndira broke away chasing an impala and came upon the female human and redirected her energy onto the human. Kevin ran up behind them and came to the site and tried to give emergency aid; meanwhile, Ndira seemed to ‘come to’ and appeared distressed- she NEVER ATE the human, only redirected her energy.
There was talk for a while from the authorities about euthanizing Ndira; I think what saved her was the fact that she didn’t eat, but mauled the individual. Once a lion ‘gets a taste’ for humans it is difficult to save them. I feel sympathy for the woman and her family, but I do feel that this tragic situation could have been prevented by paying attention to the notices.

Edit: I have added a link to a sweet video of Ndira living happily with her Pride of Thor, Charlie, Ndira, Lola, , Jubari and Neige. He goes through a nice explanation of each on of their personalities and it’s lovely to see captive lions able to have a good time for a small while.