Wildlife speaker and conservation educator
Environmental organizations, corporate groups, schools, conservation NGOs, documentary and media communities, and audiences seeking insight into predator behavior and ethical wildlife interaction.
Kevin Richardson, widely known as the Lion Whisperer, is an influential wildlife conservationist and self-taught animal behaviorist whose work has transformed global understanding of large predators. Rejecting traditional force-based training methods, Richardson developed a relationship-centered approach built on trust, respect, and emotional intelligence. By learning each animal’s unique personality, triggers, and social dynamics, he forges bonds that allow lions, hyenas, and other predators to accept him as part of their family structure.
His extraordinary connection with these animals led to extensive documentary work while he was based at the Lion Park in Johannesburg. Award-winning filmmaker Michael Rosenberg recognized Richardson’s remarkable abilities and helped launch his professional media career with Dangerous Companions, Growing Up Hyena, and several subsequent productions. Over the years, Richardson has participated in research and conservation initiatives in regions such as the Okavango Delta and Lydenburg, expanding both scientific understanding and public awareness of endangered predators.
Richardson later relocated with the animals he works with to a larger sanctuary on a farm near the Cradle of Humankind, north of Johannesburg.
Kevin Richardson is a self-taught animal behaviorist, Richardson has broken every safety rule known to humans when working with these wild animals.
Flouting common misconceptions that breaking an animal’s spirit with sticks and chains is the best way to subdue them, he uses love, understanding and trust to develop personal bonds with them.
His unique method of getting to know their individual personalities, what makes each of them angry, happy, upset, or irritated-just like a mother understands a child-has caused them to accept him like one of their own into their fold.
Kevin has used his unique relationship with these large predators to make documentaries and commercials while working at the Lion Park in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was there that award winning documentary maker Michael Rosenberg spotted Kevin Richardson unusual abilities and decided to capture these special relationships on film which kick started off Kevin’s documentary making career with Dangerous Companions, and other shows like Growing up hyena.
Kevin Richardson has been involved in various conservation and research projects in the Okavango Delta and Lydenberg area and as a result has produced another documentary on black leopard called In Search of a Legend.
The filming work Kevin has been involved in over the years has grown and as a result he has moved with the animals he works with to a larger farm nestled just outside the Cradle of Human Kind 50-60km North of Johannesburg called the Kingdom of the White Lion.
He resides opposite the property where the animals are kept, and works closely with them on a daily basis.
It is here he has been working on the dramatic feature film called White Lion, a project in the making for 4 years. The film is soon to be released on the 19th of February 2010 in South Africa and details the life of a young white lion, “Letsatsi”, who against all odds survives to become the magnificent adult white lion he was born to be.
Kevin Richardson is a perfect speaker for your conference r event as a Motivational and Inspirational Speaker.
He is world renowned as the LION WHISPERER
About a year ago, film started to circulate on YouTube® of a remarkable man named Kevin Richardson, an animal custodian in a South African animal park.
The film showed Richardson in his day-to-day work, looking some of the world’s most dangerous animals directly in the eye, crouching down at their level, playing with them and, sometimes, even kissing them on the nose–all without ever being attacked or injured. The films’ popularity skyrocketed and Richardson became an international sensation.
In “Part of the Pride”, Kevin Richardson tells the story of his life and work, how he grew from a young boy who cared for so many animals that he was called “The Bird Man of Orange Grove” to an adolescent who ran wild and, finally, to a man who is able to cross the divide between humans and predators. As a self-taught animal behaviorist, Richardson has broken every safety rule known to humans when working with these wild animals.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and subscribe to our YouTube channel
The documentary follows Kevin Richardson through the daily realities, crises, and emotional triumphs inside the Kingdom of the White Lion, a 700-hectare private sanctuary dedicated to lions, hyenas, and rare leopards. Built originally for the feature film White Lion, the kingdom has since become home to eight prides, several hyena clans, and rescued predators that rely entirely on Kevin’s care. As the film begins, Kevin faces escalating financial pressure: the investor supporting the facility is withdrawing, and unless the park becomes self-sustaining, the animals risk being sold or euthanized.
The documentary reveals Kevin’s rare ability to enter prides safely, groom lions, and manage social dynamics without force. His deep knowledge is tested when Rafiki, a lion with painful extra dewclaws, undergoes surgery. Kevin later removes bandages manually to spare Rafiki another anesthetic, showing how trust-based relationships allow safer intervention. That trust is shattered in another pride when a young cub, Mfumu, is found dead. Kevin and his team investigate whether older lions attacked him but discover he likely died from a venomous snakebite. His companion, Vetti, is left grieving, prompting Kevin to find two young female lions to rebuild a social unit for him.
The film highlights the parallel struggles of hyena clans. After infanticide within one clan, Kevin hand-raises the sole surviving cub, Max, guiding him through the complex process of socialization so he can eventually join a group. Meanwhile, aggressive clan members are relocated to prevent further conflict.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
