Part of the Pride

Starred review from August 31, 2009
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.

September 15, 2009
Self-taught animal behaviorist Richardson grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa, knowing that he wanted to work with animals. After a rough beginninghe ran wild in his youth, constantly getting banged upRichardson had finally finished a university degree and was working as an exercise physiologist. When he met a client who owned a drive-through safari park, he finally found his m'tierlions. In a series of vignettes, the author tells of his life making a place with lions. Each encounter taught him more about working closely with big cats, and he brings the reader along as he learns individual personalities and quirks of lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards. Opening with a horrific this was a big mistake story, Richardson backtracks to his youth and wends his way to the opening incident, giving his audience an understanding of why what happened was Richardsons fault. Exciting firsthand stories will make this a winner for big-cat lovers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)