“Cat Whisperer” Imitates Wildlife Animal Behaviour

Kevin Richardson is a student of animal behaviour and he converses with them in their own mannerisms, much like any other animal psychologist. What makes Kevin’s job a little more interesting is the animals that he converses with and the behaviours that he imitates. Kevin spends his time consoling wildlife and studying their behaviour in order to understand our furry friends. You may see him in game reserves around Johannesburg while you are enjoying leisurely birding safaris under the South African sun, but don’t be alarmed when you see him bathing in the sun next to one of the largest predators in the world.

Starting from a very young age, it was apparent from his behaviour growing up that Kevin was destined to work with animals. He kept toads, and rescued multiple birds and nursed them back to health throughout his time as a youth. At the age of 16 he embarked on his animal career path in studying their behaviour but it wasn’t without its hiccups. 2 years into a zoologist degree, he withdrew and decided to go down the behaviourist and physiological aspects of care and qualified with majors and distinctions in both. His first time working with animals was with 2 young cubs, Tau and Napoleon, and from that moment on his talents with understanding the behaviour of the wild animals and his ability to work closely with them earned him a spot at a local lion park.

Richardson understands the dangers of his job, but his mission to understand the behaviour of cats in South Africa is for the purpose of preservation of the great cats. His efforts are to ensure that person’s visiting South Africa for generations to come can enjoy trips such as Kruger Park camping safaris and see these great cats for years to come. He has produced documentaries about the felines such as, White Lion and Dangerous Companions. One thing is certain, is that this student of animal behaviour has made an international stir and continues to build awareness of animal conservation in Africa.