About Us
The Kevin Richardson Foundation (KRF) was established in 2018 and is a Non-Profit Company and Public Benefit Organisation. The Foundation is committed to ensuring the long-term survival of lions and other wildlife through a strategic, multi-pronged approach.
Education remains a key pillar of the Foundation’s mission. The Foundation’s dream is to expand the our outreach to more schools, both around the reserve and across the country, to instil a deeper understanding of why protecting our natural heritage is essential. By engaging young minds, we can inspire the next generation of conservationists.
Furthermore, we envision the Foundation to be a trusted custodian of donor funds, ensuring that contributions are directed towards impactful projects, not only within our own initiatives but also in support of other Non-Profits. Our main aim is to protect and expand vital wildlife habitats. Additionally, we will continue to support science and research that ultimately benefits wildlife, with a particular focus on lions.
A crucial part of the long-term vision is evolving the Wildlife Sanctuary into a bona fide rehabilitation centre, specializing in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of predators back into the wild and restoring the balance of nature where possible.
Our Mission
The Kevin Richardson Foundation exists to ensure a future for lions and other vulnerable wildlife.
With lions edging closer to the critically endangered list, our work is more urgent than ever. We take a strategic, impact-driven approach centred on four key pillars: Habitat Protection, Education & Upliftment, Wildlife Rehabilitation, and Community Collaboration.
Impact Reports
Protecting Wildlife & Educating Future Generations
At the Kevin Richardson Foundation, every donation directly contributes to conservation efforts across Africa. With the support of our donors and partners, we financially aid multiple projects dedicated to wildlife protection, anti-poaching, education, and habitat restoration.
KRF Annual Reports
2020-2021
2022-2023
2023-2024
2024-2025
Our Directors
Kevin Richardson, affectionately called, ‘The Lion Whisperer,’ is a South African animal behaviourist, conservationist, photographer and filmmaker celebrated for his pioneering work with lions and other large carnivores. Born in Johannesburg in 1974, Kevin’s fascination with wildlife began at a young age, but it wasn’t until his twenties that he discovered his true calling: forming profound connections with Africa’s carnivores.
Kevin’s journey with lions commenced when he was entrusted with caring for two six-month-old cubs at a local lion park. His innate ability to form a deep connection with the cubs, built on trust, respect, and understanding, marked the beginning of an extraordinary relationship that would challenge conventional wisdom. Over time, Kevin developed remarkable bonds with lions, hyenas, and leopards, defying the traditional approach of dominance and fear.
Kevin emphasizes that his work is not about taming or dominating lions, but rather about understanding and respecting their natural behaviours. Through his intimate relationships with these animals, Kevin has inspired a global shift in how we perceive and treat wild animals, promoting a culture of respect, empathy, wellbeing and conservation.
In 2008 Caroline went on her first safari to Botswana and Zambia and was mesmerised by southern Africa and its wildlife; particularly the big cats. Wanting to contribute towards the preservation of big cats Caroline volunteered at a wildlife facility in South Africa, hoping to find like-minded individuals and gain insight into the challenges at hand. This experience quietly disturbed Caroline when there was no straightforward answer to her questions regarding the future of the cats being bred. Caroline couldn’t ignore the feeling that something was amiss and so began her journey of questioning and understanding the reality facing South Africa’s big cats.
Caroline was born and educated in London, receiving degrees in both History and Law from Leicester University and the College of Law, Chancery Lane respectively. After various jobs in advertising; marketing and sales, and working as a solicitor, Caroline moved to South West France where she had a holiday home. Becoming proficient in French she did voluntary work for various local charities and the tourist office, and consulted on ad hoc legal work for ex-patriots.
A week prior to Caroline’s departure from South Africa a friend mentioned the work of Chris Mercer and his late partner Bev Pervan who started Campaign Against Canned Lion Hunting. Caroline, determined to meet them, drove out into the Karoo desert to find these legendary conservationists. Chris and Bev were inspiring, funny and frank about what needed to be done to save Africa’s cats. They also told her about the work Kevin Richardson was doing in Gauteng. After looking at his YouTube channel Caroline volunteered at the Kevin Richardson Wildlife Sanctuary and her life was forever altered.
After volunteering she made a donation to the sanctuary and, believing in the transformative power of education, she also helped two young volunteers in their efforts to change career paths towards conservation. Upon returning to France, Caroline’s passion for protecting lions grew stronger each passing month and she knew she had found her calling. When Kevin contacted her and invited her to be a director of his long-awaited foundation – it took less than a nanosecond for her to think about it and say yes! Caroline joined the Board in 2018 and is now acts as Chairman. Caroline’s story is a testament to what is possible when individuals seek to become informed and involved in the issues around lions, canned hunting and unethical volunteering. Caroline believes that the Kevin Richardson Foundation will change lives; just as meeting Kevin has changed hers.
Etienne Toerien completed his schooling at Evander High School in 1979 before serving in the School of Engineers in Kroonstad. In 1982, he began his studies at the University of Pretoria, earning his degree in 1985, followed by postgraduate studies at UNISA, where he completed his B.Compt Hons.
In 1987, Etienne joined Theron du Toit (now PricewaterhouseCoopers – PWC) as an Articles Clerk, completing his articles in 1989 and continuing as an Audit Manager until April 1990. Etienne then transitioned to IST (Pty) Ltd as a Senior Accountant, where he played a key role in the company’s listing on the JSE Main Board in 1998. In 2004, he facilitated the company’s delisting as part of a management buyout with Ethos Private Equity. Over the next few years, he oversaw the restructuring and sale of divisions to international firms, culminating in the sale of the remaining business to Powertech (Pty) Ltd in 2007.In 2008, Etrienne acquired a 50% share in Mongena Game Lodge (Pty) Ltd, where he successfully turned around the business, increasing revenue by 578% over seven years. As Chairman of the Dinokeng Management Association from 2009, he played a pivotal role in establishing Gauteng’s first free-roaming Big Five game reserve, which officially opened in 2011. In 2018, Etienne joined the Board of the Kevin Richardson Foundation and currently serves as Treasurer, contributing his financial and strategic expertise to furthering the foundation’s conservation mission.
After 14 years at National Geographic Television International and serving as Vice President of programming and acquisitions, Edwina Thring is an established authority in the natural history media space.
Following her passion to help independent factual producers fund and sell their programmes, she founded Wild Thring Media in 2012. Her detailed knowledge of the broadcast and social media landscapes, combined with a deep passion for factual content, provides essential support to help producers secure commissions and get great shows made. This hands-on approach organically evolved into talent management for factual presenters, which is how she met Kevin Richardson over 15 years ago.
As their relationship grew through several successful projects, Edwina observed Kevin’s unique bond with lions and his unwavering passion for their preservation. For several years, they’ve nurtured a shared dream to start a foundation supported by their prior commercial ventures. After much planning and work, that dream is now taking shape. In 2018, Edwina joined the Board of the Kevin Richardson Foundation. Like many in the natural history space, she’s thrilled to support a conservation effort focused on preserving the subjects of our films and television – whose very existence is now so gravely threatened.
Roshan Nana brings more than two decades of experience in risk and insurance advisory to his role as a Director of the Kevin Richardson Foundation. Professionally, Roshan leads a specialised team at WTW, one of the world’s largest insurance intermediaries, where they design risk management solutions for some of South Africa’s most prominent companies. Holding a BCom degree focused on Short-term Insurance, Roshan is furthering his academic studies at the Gordon Institute of Business Science.
A committed conservationist, Roshan has served as a Sanparks Honorary Ranger and as a Dinokeng Game Reserve Voluntary Ranger. Roshan’s connection to the Kevin Richardson Foundation grew naturally from his deep commitment to wildlife conservation. He is also a member of the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) and is working toward his Apprentice Field Guide qualification. With a passion for South Africa’s diverse natural landscapes, Roshan has visited and explored all 21 national parks in the country.
Roshan’s dedication to sustainable wildlife practices and community-driven conservation aligns seamlessly with the goals of the Kevin Richardson Foundation.
Our Patron
“I salute Kevin Richardson and am honoured to be the patron of his foundation. In an ideal world no wild animal would be kept in captivity and canned lion hunting should be declared illegal. I willingly lend my influence to rekindle respect for lions and the African wilderness, they so beautifully inhabit – in the hope that this is the ultimate guarantee of their survival.”
– HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco
HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco
Charlene Lynette Wittstock was born on 25th January 1978 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Africa.
When She was aged 12, her family emigrated to South Africa. At an early age she developed a passion for swimming and in 1996 at age 18 she won the South African Championship. In 2000 she won the gold medal for the 200m backstroke event at the “Marenostrum” international swimming meeting in Monoca. At this event She met Prince Albert for the first time as He was presiding over the international competition.
In 2002, She won three gold medals at the swimming World Cup (50m and 100m crawl, 4x100m relay) and the silver medal during the Manchester Commonwealth Games (4x100m medley relay).
In 2007, She ceased competing after qualifying for the Beijing Olympics. Miss Wittstock was married to the Prince in a civil ceremony on 1 July 2011 in the Throne Room at the Palace of Monaco and the religious ceremony took place the next day in the Cour d’ Honneur of the Palace of Monaco presided over by His Excellency Bernard Barsi, Archbishop of Monaco. She bears the title “H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco” along with all the historical titles vested to the Prince, in the feminine. On 10 December 2014 Princess Charlene gave birth to twins, Crown Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.
Growing up in Africa heightened Her awareness of problems linked to childhood. Ms. Wittstock gave swimming lessons to underprivileged children throughout Her career. She has frequently accompanied His Serene Highness on his travels to support charitable works. Since 2009, She has been Honorary President of Ladies Lunch Monte-Carlo. Since 2010, She has been associated with the Nelson Mandela Foundation. She regularly participates in fund raising events for charities such as Amfar. On 27 of May 2011, H.S.H Princess Charlene was appointed as a Global Ambassador of Special Olympics. On 8 July 2011 Princess Charlene was appointed as a co-patron of the Giving Organisation Trust, a group of South African charities that deal with issues ranging from AIDS among underprivileged children to the protection of the environment. Since June 2012, Princess Charlene has been the patron of AS Rugby Monaco as well as Honorary President of Monaco Liver Disorder. Since November 2012, She has been Honorary President of the MONAA association. On 14 December 2012 Princess Charlene created Her own foundation dedicated to children. In 2014 She received the highest Italian honorific distinction and was awarded the “Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Star of Italy”.
On 21 November 2015, Princess Charlene joined in partnership with the Pontifical Council and attended their 30th Annual Conference for Healthcare Workers at the Vatican where She spoke about the global drowning epidemic and about what Her Foundation is doing to help save lives from this scourge. In 2018 She agreed to be the patron of the Kevin Richardson Foundation after meeting Kevin and recognizing the work he does in bringing awareness to the plight of Africa’s most iconic animal.
Princess Charlene enjoys surfing as well as mountain hiking. Her choice of books includes reading biographies and ethnic South African poetry. Beyond her long list of charitable interests she also has a passion for contemporary art.
info@kevinrichardsonfoundation.org