Shandor Larenty might surprise you if you ask him about his oldest friend. For the past decade, this 27-year-old has formed a deep bond with a 550-pound lion named George.
Larenty first encountered George when he was born at the Lion and Safari Park in Gauteng, South Africa. As the head of animal husbandry at the park, Larenty has had the privilege of watching George transform from a playful cub into the leader of his own pride.
“It’s like watching a child grow up, or a younger sibling grow up, and it’s exactly the same feeling. George is similar to me in the sense that while he’s social, he also likes to be alone a lot,” Larenty shared with WalesOnline.
This mutual affection is evident in George’s behavior. The lion often leaves his pride to greet Larenty, showcasing their special connection. However, George, like any creature, has his mood swings.
“They have good days and bad days just like us. If I go in there and he doesn’t come running up, then I know it’s not going to happen,” Larenty explained.
On their good days, George enjoys cuddles, foot rubs, and massages from Larenty. They share a daily routine where Larenty brushes George’s mane and engages in playful activities.
“He absolutely loves the fly repellent we make for him. He rolls around like a little kitten, and it’s his favorite time to get a massage, or a foot rub, he loves it,” Larenty said.
George’s protective nature was evident when he intervened during a tense moment between Larenty and his son. When his son charged at Larenty with a threatening growl, George and his lioness quickly stepped in to diffuse the situation, allowing Larenty to escape unharmed.
“From the left hand side came George’s lioness who grabbed him and from the right hand side George came running and knocked me to the side and grabbed him. It gave me time to get away,” Larenty recounted.
Despite the occasional risks, Larenty embraces these experiences as part of his job, understanding the innate instincts of lions.
“But I always used to say, at the end of the day, their natural instinct kicks in, so if one lion has a go at you, the others join in,” he said.
Larenty’s remarkable friendship with George has captivated millions on social media. His TikTok videos, showcasing tender moments with George and other animals, consistently attract thousands of views.
“You won’t see dance moves or things like that in it,” Larenty told News 24.
Boasting 9.4 million followers and 97.8 million views on TikTok, Larenty credits the animals for helping him through tough times.
These poor kitties were rescued from an animal cruelty case where they were starved, locked in cages with inches of feces, and received no water or food. Now, these cats need your help!
“I can think of times in my life where I was really struggling and the animals really helped me,” he reflected.
Larenty’s TikTok presence focuses on his “animal family,” aiming to raise awareness and appreciation for these magnificent creatures.
“It’s fantastic to see how many of those who come here recognize the animals because of my videos. I want to create an awareness of the animals and show people how wonderful they are.”
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@shandorlarenty Welcome to lion Tiktok … My best friend George #lion #shandorlarenty #tiktoksouthafrica #foryoupage #wildlife #mypride #love #fyp ♬ Rumors – Jake Miller