{"id":22153,"date":"2025-08-25T13:27:50","date_gmt":"2025-08-25T11:27:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/joburg-west\/?p=22153"},"modified":"2025-08-25T13:27:50","modified_gmt":"2025-08-25T11:27:50","slug":"roars-rescues-and-raw-moments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/joburg-west\/blog\/2025\/08\/25\/roars-rescues-and-raw-moments\/","title":{"rendered":"Roars, rescues and raw moments"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n

But behind Shandor Larenty\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy passion for wildlife really began at a young age,\u201d Shandor explains. \u201cGrowing 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u2019s doing veterinary rounds, the next he\u2019s on horseback in the bush.<\/p>\n

And yes, sometimes, he wakes up to lions roaring outside his bedroom window.
\n\u201cI\u2019m very thankful that I can hear the roars from my room. It\u2019s certainly the most incredible way to start the day,\u201d he laughs. \u201cBut no two days are the same. That\u2019s what I love.\u201d<\/p>\n