A dog might be their best friend for most people but for Shandor Larenty, a 25-year-old lion tamer originally from Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, his closest companion is a massive male lion named George.
Shandor now resides in South Africa, where he works at a wildlife reserve in Gauteng, caring for various animals.
He’s gained widespread attention on TikTok, amassing 4.7 million followers for his remarkable videos of interactions with lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and giraffes.
His connection with George, a fully grown adult lion, stands out among these. Shandor describes George as his “best friend.”
Their bond is so strong that George regularly shows affection by nuzzling Shandor, allowing him to kiss his head, and even rolling over for belly rubs and foot massages.
George’s fondness for his keeper is so deep that he often chases after Shandor’s truck across the reserve, eager for attention and cuddles.
Shandor captures these moments using an iPhone mounted on a selfie stick, and his followers are mesmerized by his unique bond with these majestic animals. Many express curiosity about how he has developed such close relationships with wild creatures.
Coming from a family of lion tamers, Shandor continues the tradition, showing an interest in wildlife from a young age. At just 13 months old, he interacted with elephants, and by age 11, he had his first encounter with a cheetah, which marked the beginning of his journey. His TikTok and Instagram accounts frequently feature a pair of adorable cheetahs.
Shandor said with FEMAIL, “I’m incredibly fortunate to have grown up around these amazing animals. Over the last 13 years, I’ve formed strong connections with many, but George and I share something truly special. He’s like family to me. But I also recognize that George is a wild animal and respect that he’s a 250kg apex predator.”
When asked how he developed such close bonds, Shandor explained, “It’s quite simple—my life is dedicated to being with these animals.
The relationship is built on respect, patience, time, and love. Understanding their personalities and body language is key, as that’s how they communicate when something’s off.”
Shandor’s love for animals was nurtured from a young age. In a 2013 interview, he mentioned that many of the lions he works with were born when he started learning, so they have grown up together.
Shandor moved to South Africa with his father Alex, a wildlife expert, in 1999. He has inherited his father’s skills, continuing the family legacy of working closely with some of the world’s most extraordinary animals.
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