Meet our Pride

Founder

Steven’s Journey with Lions

Steven’s passion for wildlife began in 2010, when he started working at various wildlife sanctuaries across Southern Africa. It didn’t take long for him to realize his unique ability and deep passion for raising and caring for some of South Africa’s most iconic predators—including leopards, cheetahs, tigers, and wild dogs. But it was the lions that truly captured his heart. Driven by curiosity and a desire to truly understand these animals, Steven often questioned the practices he witnessed at big cat facilities. Unfortunately, his persistence in seeking answers frequently led to his dismissal from several sanctuaries.

In 2015, Steven’s life was shaken when his father passed away, leaving him a life insurance policy. In his grief, Steven longed to be closer to lions, the animals that gave him strength and purpose. This desire led him to reach out to Animal Planet’s “Lion Man,” Craig Busch. What began as a hopeful partnership quickly turned sour—Craig persuaded Steven to invest most of his inheritance into building up Busch’s big cat sanctuary. Once the money was gone, Steven was cast aside. What Craig didn’t know was that Steven had carefully documented his four months there.

Not long after, Steven’s childhood idol—and the man who had first inspired his love for big cats—came into his life: Mad Mike Penman, the true “Lion Man of Africa” and legendary host of the world-famous TV show Mad Mike and Mark. Having heard of Steven’s experience, Mike reached out, and together they exposed the truth. Working alongside South Africa’s premier investigative journalism program, Carte Blanche (with over 8 million viewers), Steven handed over the evidence he had collected. In July 2016, the story was broadcast, bringing international attention to the exploitation behind the scenes of captive lion facilities.

From this shared mission, a powerful friendship was born. Steven and Mike discovered not only their mutual love for lions but also a shared determination to fight against those who exploit them. In May 2015, Wild World Tours was established—a big cat safari company dedicated to educating the public about the dark underbelly of the captive lion industry, while showcasing the true beauty of lions where they belong: in the wild.

Tragically, in January 2018, Mike Penman passed away peacefully in his sleep. Yet his legacy lives on through Steven and the rest of the Wild World Pride. Today, they continue his mission, inspiring guests from around the world with one powerful truth: Lions are meant to be seen in their rightful home—the wild.

Liza Wallace – Operations Manager

Liza joined the Pride in early 2017 after spending three years working as an animal caretaker, where she managed the Leopard, Lion, and Tiger cub section at a zoo in Johannesburg. During this time, she began to develop doubts about the captive wildlife industry. Seeking answers, Liza booked a tour with Wild World Tours. It was on this journey—when she saw her favorite animal, the majestic leopard, roaming free in its natural environment—that she realized she had been on the wrong path.

Inspired by this life-changing experience, Liza reached out to us, and thanks to her passion and deep knowledge of the smaller big cats, she was welcomed into the Pride without hesitation. Today, she is affectionately known as the “mother of the Pride,” treating each of our guests with the same care and attention she once gave her cubs. From the very first inquiry to the moment a booking is confirmed, Liza ensures every guest feels supported, informed, and excited for their safari adventure.

Liza is currently studying toward her guiding qualifications, with the goal of leaving the city behind and leading guests herself into the wild. Her dream is to specialize in tracking and sharing the story of her most beloved animal—the Prince of Africa, the powerful and elusive leopard (Panthera pardus).