‘Lion man’ who treated his big cats like his children made fatal mistake when he was killed by them

A Man Known as the “Lion Man”

Leon van Biljon, affectionately known as the “Lion Man,” was a dedicated animal lover who raised three lions as if they were his own children at Mahala View Lion Game Lodge near Pretoria, South Africa. He developed a close bond with these lions, whom he lovingly named Rambo, Nakita, and Katryn. Van Biljon’s connection to his lions was unique—he even slept alongside them in their enclosure when they were cubs, a gesture of trust and affection. His lodge became a center for educating visitors about lions, where he offered lion lectures, game drives, and feeding sessions to raise awareness about these magnificent creatures.

In 2019, van Biljon made a heartbreaking mistake that would cost him his life. While attempting to repair a fence inside the lions’ enclosure, he turned his back on his beloved animals, assuming he was safe among them. However, as he focused on fixing the fence, one of the lions saw an opportunity to attack. In a split second, the lion pounced, clamping its powerful jaws around van Biljon’s neck, proving that even the closest human-animal relationships have limits.

A Tragic Scene Unfolds

Emergency services arrived to a devastating scene. Van Biljon’s body lay motionless on the ground, blood-stained and surrounded by his lions, who circled protectively around him. Medics were unable to reach him until the lions were shot, but by then it was too late—his injuries were far too severe for any lifesaving efforts.

A source from the lodge later recounted the incident to the Daily Star, explaining, “Leon went in to fix the fence. He knew the lions well and thought it was safe, but as he turned his back, one came from behind and took him by the neck.” Despite the tragic circumstances, his family found solace in knowing he died doing what he loved.

A Family’s Tribute to a Passionate Caretaker

After his death, van Biljon’s family expressed that he had lived a life filled with purpose, doing what he felt was his calling. His daughter, Leonette van Wyk, shared that her father was deeply committed to his lions and his educational work. “We built that farm from nothing. My dad raised the lions; he would sleep with them and taught educational groups about lions and the relationship between God and these animals,” she told Pretoria News. Mahala View was more than just a lodge to him; it was a testament to his love for lions and his desire to share that passion with others. He had planned to retire there before his untimely death.

Social Media Reflects on the Dangers of Wild Animal Companionship

Van Biljon’s story resurfaced in recent years on social media, sparking renewed discussion about the risks of rearing wild animals in captivity. A YouTube video describing his tragic death garnered many comments, with viewers debating the dangers of attempting to domesticate big cats. One commenter wrote, “No matter how long you ‘train’ them or how close you are, a wild animal’s instincts can kick in at any time—with potentially deadly results.”

A Lasting Legacy and a Sobering Reminder

The life and death of Leon van Biljon serve as a powerful reminder of the limits of human-animal bonds with wild creatures. His deep connection with his lions was evident, yet his tragic end highlights the unpredictable nature of wildlife. Lions and other big cats, despite being raised in captivity, retain their primal instincts, and interactions with them carry inherent risks.

While van Biljon’s passion for lions and his efforts to educate others left a lasting impact, his story also underscores the need for caution and respect when dealing with wild animals. His legacy is both a tribute to his love for these majestic animals and a cautionary tale about the unpredictability of nature.