Mike Mapalala, 42, is the lion manager at the GG Conservation Centre in South Africa.

He has a very special relationship with the big cats. He can get close to lions and give them relaxing head massages.

Smokey, a 7-year-old male lion is getting a massage and rubs from Mike, it’s amazing to see how close they are. Mike was accepted into their lion pride.

Cats are cats no matter how big they are, so it’s no wonder Smokey here likes being pampered by Mike.

The GG Conservation Centre in South Africa takes care of 70 lions, they provide a safe and healthy habitat for these majestic animals.