For Shandor Larenty, every day is an adventure. As a leading animal caretaker and handler at the Lion & Safari Park, he has crafted an extraordinary life surrounded by some of the world’s most magnificent predators. From hand-rearing lions to running alongside cheetahs, his work is anything but ordinary. Yet, what truly distinguishes him is his ability to share this untamed world with over 9 million followers on TikTok, providing a rare, behind-the-scenes look into the reality of wildlife conservation.
“There’s honestly no fixed schedule. One moment you can be feeding or cleaning enclosures or doing health checks, and the next you’re out in the reserve running alongside a cheetah,” Shandor said.
His top priority is the welfare of the animals, ensuring they are healthy, safe, and stimulated while closely monitoring their behaviour.
“It’s busy, unpredictable, and sometimes exhausting,” he admits, “but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Shandor’s passion for wildlife was ignited at an early age, thanks to his father, Alex Larenty, a renowned wildlife trainer.
“Some of my best memories as a kid were the days I got to tag along with my dad to the park,” he recalls. This deep connection to animals solidified when, at just 12 years old, he formed a profound bond with a cheetah named Shitana.
“She wasn’t just an animal to me—she became family, a friend, and in her own way, a teacher,” he shares. This experience fueled his determination to dedicate his life to making a difference in the lives of animals.
With his massive social media following, Shandor has turned what began as a bit of fun into a powerful conservation tool. His content highlights critical issues like sustainability, habitat loss, and climate change while sharing incredible rescue and rehabilitation stories, such as that of Sky, a giraffe that was rescued, raised, and successfully released.
“It’s about creating awareness of the challenges these species face and contributing to a more sustainable future for wildlife,” he emphasizes.
Among his many animal relationships, his bond with George, a lion he has known since birth, is particularly special.
“We’ve basically grown up together,” Shandor shares. Their connection is rooted in trust and a profound understanding of boundaries.
“At the end of the day, he’s a 250kg apex predator – one wrong move can be life-threatening. But our bond runs deeper because of that very fact,” he adds.
Shandor is also dedicated to changing the way people view misunderstood animals like hyenas.
“Thanks to The Lion King, many people see hyenas as dirty scavengers, when in reality, they are incredibly intelligent and highly social creatures,” he explains.
His goal is to cultivate respect and admiration for all wildlife, not just the more popular species.
His expertise goes beyond the park. As a predator wrangler and trainer for major film and television productions, he has contributed to hundreds of projects, including commercials, nature documentaries, and blockbuster films. Many might recall the viral story of a lion wandering the streets of Braamfontein – that was Shandor and his team at work! He has also participated in Hollywood productions like Blended, where he had the chance to collaborate with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.
Some of the most memorable moments in his career have been the unexpected ones. He reminisces about a particularly funny shoot where a cheetah, intended to pose gracefully beside a lavish tea party, instead found the cupcakes too tempting to resist.
“One minute, we were setting up the perfect shot; the next, there was frosting everywhere, and the entire set was in chaos,” he laughs. Experiences like these serve as a daily reminder that, no matter how well-trained an animal is, their wild instincts will always come to the forefront.
Growing up in a family of wildlife trainers, Shandor has gained invaluable insights – one of the most crucial being to trust his instincts. This wisdom, passed down from his grandmother to his father and then to him, has become a lifesaving mantra.
“If something feels off, it probably is,” he says. This blend of intuition and a deep knowledge of animal behaviour allows him to handle the unpredictable aspects of his job.
From the depths of the African bush to the screens of millions globally, Shandor Larenty is changing the definition of a wildlife conservationist. Through his efforts, he is not only caring for animals but also inspiring a new generation to respect, protect, and appreciate the wild.
*Shandor Larenty actively shares his wildlife adventures and conservation efforts across multiple social media platforms. Here are his official handles:
- TikTok: @shandorlarenty
- Instagram: @shandorlarenty
Through these platforms, Shandor connects with a global audience, promoting wildlife conservation and sharing the beauty of the animal kingdom.
*Discover the Magic of the Lion & Safari Park with Shandor Larenty
The Lion & Safari Park, located just outside Johannesburg, is one of South Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. This 1 000-hectare reserve offers guests an unforgettable opportunity to experience Africa’s most iconic animals up close. From breathtaking lion sightings and cheetah encounters to giraffe feeding and guided safaris, the park is a must-visit for nature lovers.
For those looking for a truly exclusive experience, the Shandor Tour provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the park with Shandor Larenty himself. This VIP experience takes guests behind the scenes, offering up-close insight of some of the park’s most famous animals, including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Shandor shares his expert knowledge, personal stories, and unique insights into animal behaviour, conservation, and what it takes to work with some of the world’s most magnificent predators.
Visitors leave not only with unforgettable memories but also with a deeper appreciation for Africa’s wildlife and the urgent need for conservation. To book the Shandor Tour or explore everything the Lion & Safari Park has to offer, visit www.lionandsafaripark.com.