Uploaded April 2020 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago

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MEET the self-branded 'Lion Dad' who is the proud father of two lions, two ligers and seven wolves. James Smith, of Stanton Missouri, has been around these big cats and wolves for over thirteen years. He was bottle-feeding them when they were puppies and is still feeding them raw meat today. James is an animal handler at Wild Animal Adventures Park and says he couldn't imagine doing anything else in life. The bond he has developed with the big cats is so strong that female lion Zella will even sometimes suck on James' thumb like a baby.

Video Credits:
Videographer / director: Nate Spicer
Producer: Giacomo Brunelli
Editor: Ethan Edwards

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