With millions of followers on social media, Shandor Larenty has become a global name. Not for viral dance trends or fast fashion hauls, but for something far more meaningful … his deep, intuitive bond with wild animals. His closest companion? A lion named George.
But behind Shandor Larenty’s awe-inspiring videos lies a humble and passionate conservationist, whose life is shaped not by likes, but by love for animals, for nature, and for the quiet moments in between.
“My passion for wildlife really began at a young age,” Shandor explains. “Growing up in and around the sounds, smells, and rhythms of the Lion & Safari Park sparked something in me that never left. What started as curiosity became a career rooted in purpose.”
Today, as Head of Animal Care at The Bothongo Group, his work goes far beyond feeding baby animals or walking alongside lions. He manages the welfare of all animals across their properties – from nutrition planning and health monitoring to enclosure design and conservation breeding. One moment he’s doing veterinary rounds, the next he’s on horseback in the bush.
And yes, sometimes, he wakes up to lions roaring outside his bedroom window.
“I’m very thankful that I can hear the roars from my room. It’s certainly the most incredible way to start the day,” he laughs. “But no two days are the same. That’s what I love.”
At the centre of Shandor’s journey is George, the lion he’s worked with since cubhood. Their connection wasn’t built on taming or tricks, but trust earned over time through presence, patience, and respect.
“You can’t force a relationship with an animal. They set their own boundaries. Despite the fact that they don’t speak, they tell you everything. With George, that connection happened so organically. More than a decade later, he’s still one of my closest companions.”
Despite his impressive online following, Shandor remains grounded. “People see the content, but I’m actually quite a shy, quiet person. When life gets hectic, I find peace just being out on the reserve with the animals. That’s my happy place.”
It’s a delicate balance – using social media to share real, educational stories without letting it interfere with the animals’ well-being.
“The welfare of the animals always comes first. That’s non-negotiable. I try to highlight issues that matter … habitat loss, ethical care, and illegal breeding. If we want change, we have to start with awareness.”
Shandor believes education is the cornerstone of conservation. “If I can instill a passion and drive to care for wildlife in even one young person, then I know I’m doing something right.”
One story in particular sticks with him: “Years ago, I tutored a kid while I was studying. He reached out years later and said he is going into conservation because of one of my classes. That meant everything.”
Big cats, he adds, are often misunderstood. “People assume they’re aggressive or unfeeling. But they’re incredibly complex. Lions have family structures. Leopards are independent but sensitive. They show affection, fear, and even grief. They’re sentient beings with distinct personalities.”
Just ask Chowta, a leopard he’s worked with for nearly 14 years. “I was told leopards were too dangerous to bond with. But Chowta feels like my child.”
Then there’s Skye, the newborn orphaned giraffe Shandor helped save. “She was in such a critical state that we were on the verge of giving up. But one morning, we gave her a bottle … and she started drinking on her own. I just stood there crying. Today, she’s fully grown and thriving. That’s the power of not giving up.”
He’s quick to acknowledge the tough moments, too. “I stepped away from animal care for a while to explore marketing,” he admits. “But my heart was always with wildlife. Sometimes you need to step away to realise where you truly belong.”
Another test of resilience came when Shandor hand-raised three African wild dog pups. “Two months of feeding every two hours, plus a full workday … I was exhausted. But now, five years later, they’re healthy and thriving. I’ll always be proud of that.”
Although his work is grounded in science – behavioural studies, medical protocols, breeding programmes – it’s also deeply emotional. “One thing I’ve learned is that I’m capable of much more than I thought.”
When asked about legacy, Shandor doesn’t mention followers or fame. “I hope people remember me not just for the animals I worked with, but for how I made them feel about nature. If I’ve inspired someone to care a little more, to understand a little deeper, then I’ve done my job.”
In a world where wild spaces are disappearing, Shandor believes we need to rethink how we interact with nature. “We need empathy. We need responsibility. Every small action matters – supporting ethical tourism, educating yourself, even just sharing the truth.”
And in sharing his own truth, the heartbreaks, the quiet mornings, and the moments of awe, Shandor reminds us that real conservation isn’t about taming the wild, but protecting it.
Despite the seriousness of his work, Shandor is warm, down-to-earth, and effortlessly charismatic. Perhaps it’s his background in the performing arts that adds that extra spark.
“Most people don’t know this, but I grew up doing musical theatre,” he reveals with a smile. “I love music. It’s always been my escape.”
He’s also a huge foodie – ‘I’ll never say no to a good meal,’ he laughs – finding joy in cooking, experimenting, and exploring new flavours as another creative outlet beyond the bush.
It’s this blend of intuition, resilience, and creativity that sets Shandor apart – not just as a wildlife expert, but as someone whose heart beats in rhythm with the wilderness.
Text: RIALIEN FURSTENBERG. Images: SUPPLIED.
