Shandor Larenty isn’t your average social media star. While most influencers are busy chasing trends, he’s forming decade-long bonds with lions and managing the wellbeing of wild animals. Oh, and he happens to do it all with millions of followers watching.
You’ve probably seen him pop up on TikTok or Instagram – usually with George, a majestic lion who looks like he could eat you for breakfast, but would rather chill with Shandor. The connection between them is the stuff of nature documentaries… but it’s very real, and very earned.
Behind the viral moments, though, is a guy who works tirelessly behind the scenes at the Lion & Safari Park, and now as Head of Animal Care for The Bothongo Group, overseeing wildlife welfare across several properties.
Shandor Larenty’s life is less about filters and more about feeding plans, breeding programs, enclosure designs, vet checkups, and the kind of 24/7 dedication most of us wouldn’t last a week doing.
From Childhood Wonder to Lifelong Commitment
For Shandor, wildlife wasn’t a passing phase. It started young – that wide-eyed fascination with animals grew into a calling. He didn’t stumble into this. He built it. Over the years, that early love for animals evolved into something much deeper: a full-blown mission to care, protect, and connect.
He says his passion began at a young age. Growing up around animals sparked something that never left him. Being able to observe their behavior up close turned curiosity into a deep-rooted purpose.
A Day in the Life of Shandor Larenty
There’s no such thing as a typical day for Shandor – and that’s exactly why he loves it. One morning, he’s reviewing diets and checking on newborns; the next, he’s walking enclosures with vets or planning filming logistics that won’t disrupt the animals’ routines.
It’s hands-on. It’s strategic. And it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.
The George Connection
Let’s talk about that lion. George isn’t just some photogenic feline – he and Shandor Larenty have spent over 10 years building a relationship based on trust, respect, and endless hours of simply being there.
He describes the bond as something built slowly, through consistency, patience, and presence. It’s all about showing up for the animals – without expecting anything in return. With George, that trust has grown over a decade, becoming something truly powerful.
Influencing with Intention
While most influencers are busy creating content for clicks, Shandor Larenty is doing something far more powerful: using his platform to pull back the curtain on wildlife care. And yes, the videos go viral – but not because they’re staged. They’re raw, honest, and often jaw-droppingly beautiful.
Social media, for Shandor, isn’t a side hustle. It’s a tool. One that opens up the world of conservation to people who might never step foot in a game reserve.
He believes it’s about storytelling – making people care about the animals, their personalities, their challenges, and the efforts involved in keeping them healthy and protected. That’s how you get the public emotionally invested.
Advice for the Next Generation of Wildlife Warriors
Shandor doesn’t sugar-coat the job: it’s tough, often messy, and deeply humbling. For anyone serious about working with wildlife, he recommends learning everything you can – from volunteering and studying animal behavior to finding mentors in the field.
Respect, he says, is everything. It’s not about control – it’s about connection. Animals can sense whether you’re there for the right reasons.
More Than Just Viral Fame
Shandor Larenty is part of a new wave of conservationists – ones who understand that a well-timed video can reach more hearts than a formal lecture. His blend of hands-on animal care and compelling content creation is helping to rewrite the narrative around wildlife – one that’s honest, respectful, and deeply impactful.
So, next time you see a lion nuzzling a human on your feed, don’t scroll past. Stick around. There’s probably a deeper story – one about trust, care, and conservation – waiting to be heard.
And thanks to people like Shandor, those stories are being told.
Watch this space for updates in the General News category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
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