Kevin Richardson doubles over and stalks slowly and silently to the pride of lions lounging in the morning son just five meters away.  The powerful predators do not seem to notice him.  He makes sure that he approaches them downwind so that his scent does not betray his position.  Two meters away from the nearest lioness he readies himself.  Just before he makes his last move a twig cracks beneath his left foot eliciting surprised glances from the tribe.  The jig is up!  The lioness closest to Kevin heaves her massive frame onto her powerful paws and ambles over to Kevin.  Relaxed, Kevin drops to one knee and prepares himself.  The lioness pounces and she and Kevin play happily, rolling in the dry African shrubbery.  Not a drop of blood spent.

Although Kevin does not enter into any situation with a wild animal where his instincts have not fully given him the O.K.  Kevin has a special bond with dangerous animals such as lions, hyenas and leopards and is able to instinctive communicate with them.

Since the age of three Kevin Richardson has shown an interest in all types of animals.  He had a pet toad called “Paddajie” and bred crickets underneath his bed.  His community dubbed him “The Bird Man of Orange Grove” because of his love for so many animals.  Many say that Kevin has bridged the gap between man and beast.  Being a self-taught behaviourist Kevin has broken every safety rule know to humans when working with wild animals.

Kevin has proven that these animals do have their own personalities and quirks.  He relies on his instincts as well as love and respect to develop personal bonds with these creatures.  He is sleeps amongst lions, cuddles newborn hyenas and even swims with lionesses.  Getting to know when the animal is angry, happy, irritated etc. allows Kevin access to the animals’ psyche.

Kevin’s documentary career was kick started when the award winning documentary maker, Michael Rosenberg, spotted Kevin.  They have worked together to produce amazing pieces such as “Dangerous Companions” and “Growing Up Hyena”.  Kevin has also been involved in conservation projects in the Okavango Delta in Botswana and the Lydenburg area where the story of a black leopard was told through a documentary called “In Search of England”.

Kevin feels more comfortable with animals he has known since birth so he moves with them when they are reallocated.  At present Kevin resides on the property opposite a farm called the Kingdom of the White Lion where he works closely with them on a daily basis.  It is here that Kevin has spent four years making a feature film called “White Lion”, the story of a young white lion called “Letsatsi” becoming a magnificent adult male lion against all the odds.