A South African wildlife expert has developed an extraordinary connection with the animals at The Lion Park near Johannesburg.
Shandor Larenty, 24, is often seen hugging giraffes and hyenas and even giving a lion a foot massage.
Shandor’s deep relationship with the animals is evident as he confidently walks among the park’s predators. Photos show him nuzzling a hyena and tossing meat to a leaping lion.
While he admits he’s living his “dream job,” Shandor explains that the role demands leave him with little time for a personal life.
While his peers were out enjoying their youth, he spent his teenage years working night shifts, cleaning hyena enclosures, caring for sick lions, and attending special feedings for injured giraffes.
He does, however, get affection from the animals he works with, especially from Themba, a hyena. “She loves kisses,” Shandor says. “She also likes having her tongue scratched, which is odd, but she enjoys it.”
Shandor’s father, Alex, gained international attention in 2010 when a photo showed him giving Jamu, one of the park’s male lions, a foot massage.
Following his father’s footsteps, Shandor recreated this act with George, a seven-year-old male lion born at the park.
Although visitors are often amazed by his interactions with these animals, Shandor emphasizes the importance of caution. “Whether it’s a giraffe or a lion, they are still wild animals capable of causing serious harm,” he says.
Despite the risks, Shandor wouldn’t trade his job for anything. “Most people work office jobs from nine to five,” he says. “I get to come here into the African bush and be with my lions. It’s a dream come true.”
Shandor has maintained a close relationship with George since the lion’s birth, which allows him to interact with him on such a personal level.
“The best part of working with these animals is understanding their personalities. Most people see them as just lions or cheetahs, but each has its character.”
Shandor’s journey with wildlife began at 13 when he volunteered at the park where his father worked.
After school, he would rush there, eager to interact with the predators and other animals native to southern Africa.
Now working full-time at the park, Shandor continues the family tradition of building close bonds with the animals. His grandmother also worked with animals, adding another layer to the family legacy.
Shandor believes that the hands-on approach to animal care benefits the animals and the caretakers.
He points to Shitana, a 17-year-old cheetah, as an example. Cheetahs in captivity usually live about 10 to 12 years, but Shitana has far exceeded this expectancy.
Shandor credits this to their daily close contact with the animals, allowing them to quickly detect and treat any health issues.
Read more Wildlife News.
