Part of the Pride: My Life Among the Big Cats of Africa
Starred Review. In his first book, lion keeper and animal behaviorist Richardson, a popular YouTube fixture with a feature film on the way, chronicles his life and career while explaining his unique ability to gain the trust of predators like lions and hyenas. Working at the South African Lion Park and the Kingdom of the White Lion sanctuaries, Richardson has been accepted by some of his lions as a brother, "sometimes even a father... a friend to others, and an acquaintance to the rest." Native South African Richardson mingles with his animals freely; though he has been attacked, he credits his "lifelong love-affair with dangerous things" for his ability to keep cool. (Although, on being nearly mauled to death early in his career, he says, "What do you do when a lion is trying to eat you? Anything you can think of.") After leaving university, Richardson met Rodney Fuhr of the Lion Park, located in the Johannesburg suburbs, and worked his way from staff physical fitness coach to full-time animal trainer and film-maker. An engrossing account of a young life in Africa, this adventurous tale also provides amazing insight into the minds of Africa's most beautiful and dangerous creatures. Color photos.