South African Zoologist Swims with 185kg Lioness

clipped from www.telegraph.co.uk A zoologist keen to cool off in the South African heat was joined by an unlikely swimming partner - a giant lioness. Kevin Richardson swims with Meg the lion in the Crocodile River just south of the Magaliesburg mountains, near Johannesburg, South Africa Animal behaviourist Kevin Richardson raises and interacts some of the most dangerous animals known to man. With his unusual methods, he has developed some exceptionally personal bonds with his students, playing, sleeping and even swimming with animals. Taking a well deserved swim in the Crocodile River, just south of the Magaliesburg mountains, Mr Richardson, 34, was joined by Meg the lioness. Weighing a staggering 185 kg this boisterous tawny lioness playfully splashed around with the experienced behaviourist. "We went swimming purely for Meg's enrichment," Mr Richardson said. "People are always amazed that she doesn't rip me to pieces with her claws," he said. She takes no coaxing to get her to swim.