Behind the Scenes: The Making of a Conservation Message with African Lions and Mercedes-Benz

Wrestling: The pride of lions live with world-renowned Lion Whisperer Kevin Richardson at his wildlife sanctuary in Pretoria, South Africa

In a unique collaboration between wildlife conservation and automotive innovation, the behind-the-scenes story of creating a compelling conservation message with African lions and Mercedes-Benz unfolds.

The project began with a shared commitment to raising awareness about the plight of African lions, whose populations have been rapidly declining due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Mercedes-Benz, known for its dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility, saw an opportunity to leverage its platform to shed light on this pressing issue.

Flouting common misconceptions that breaking an animal’s spirit with sticks and chains is the best way to subdue them, Kevin uses love, understanding and trust to develop personal bonds with the lions 

The first step was to forge partnerships with conservation organizations working tirelessly to protect African lions and their habitats. By teaming up with experts in the field, Mercedes-Benz gained invaluable insights into the challenges facing these majestic creatures and the urgent need for action.

Kevin has presented and produced several documentaries that detail his relationships with the animals and highlight the plight of lions both in captivity and in the wild 

Next came the creative process of developing a compelling narrative that would resonate with audiences worldwide. Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of the African savannah and the power and grace of the lion, the team crafted a visually stunning story that would captivate viewers and inspire them to take action.

A lion is pictured lounging on top of a Mercedes during the photo shoot with wildlife photographer Adrian Steirn

Filming took place in the heart of lion country, where Mercedes-Benz vehicles navigated rugged terrain to capture breathtaking footage of these iconic animals in their natural habitat. Every detail was meticulously planned to ensure minimal disruption to the lions and their environment, while still capturing the raw beauty of the African wilderness.

Adrian Steirn photographs the animals from within the car, while the lion leaps on the bonnet 

Through state-of-the-art technology and innovative storytelling techniques, the team brought the conservation message to life in a way that was both impactful and memorable. From breathtaking aerial shots to intimate close-ups, every frame was carefully crafted to evoke emotion and drive home the urgency of protecting these magnificent creatures for future generations.

The photographer gets up close and personal with the animal from within a cage 

But the work didn’t stop there. Mercedes-Benz recognized the importance of ongoing support for conservation efforts, and committed to donating a portion of proceeds from the campaign to initiatives aimed at protecting African lions and their habitats.

A pride of lions from a wildlife sanctuary have become the unlikely stars of a campaign with Mercedes Benz

Kevin and Adrian had 48 hours to conceptualise and shoot the perfect shot for a billboard depicting the plight of Africaís lions and their future

As the final edit was completed and the campaign launched, the world watched in awe as Mercedes-Benz and African lions came together to deliver a powerful message of hope and resilience. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of conservationists, filmmakers, and automotive experts had worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life, proving that when passion and purpose collide, anything is possible.