I found out today that Brutus is dead.
For you who don’t know he was the dominant male lion of the pride, from my new series that is coming out August 13 called “into the pride”. You will all get to know him very well over the course of watching that series.
I was contacted today to be told that he died. Brutus was a good friend and an awesome lion. For those of you who think its odd to have close relationships with animal, you can stop reading, this is way over your head, you wont understand. I spent 6 months last year living alone in the bush with Brutus and his pride. Brutus was the one cat that allowed me access into his pride. For someone who meets animals all the time, every once in a while one animal stands out in your life. Brutus will stand out always.
Brutus was a very large dominant male when we met. He was the most dangerous animal for me in the pride when I arrived. The first night I spent in the tent in the bush he came in the middle of the night and roared close enough that my tent shook. Over the course of 6 months I acomplished more with him than I had ever done with any wild lion. He allowed me to share meat from his Eland kill, we celebrated my 33rd birthday with a song and some cake while we sat 15 feet from each other, we walked alone together and had a picnic. He was awesome. However, much like another great lion in my life (Rock on Bongo), he tried to kill me. A number of times Brutus and I stood our ground, looked each other in the eye and tested each others will to fight.
Brutus taught me a lot. I enjoyed every moment I spent with him. He was a great cat that I will miss. As I left in December, his condition was deteriorating. When I said goodbye, I was pretty sure he wasn’t going to last much longer. A while ago, Brutus broke his leg, and I feel like that was the final blow in an old warrior’s life. He just didn’t recover from that injury.
Miss ya buddy
Neeta Said:
Well said!! Can’t wait to see Into the Pride. Hopefully Australian animal planet will air it soonish.
Hope you feel better.
Elizabeth Brown Said:
So sorry to hear about Brutus. The bond we can develop with animals is something very magical and sometimes almost spirtual. I think what you do is fantastic and I am very excitied to actually see your experience with the lions after following your blog on Animal Planet. Best wishes!
Christie Said:
That is awful news. My condolences on your and the pride’s loss
But, as always, that is nature. He surely lived a full life and did well for himself - his young will surely continue his line of great lions, and perhaps you’ll get to know one of them in the future
Heather Said:
I am so sorry for the loss. I have read countless books about lions, tigers, and gorillas and when reading about a loss of a animal that you have studied and know they have died it’s very heartbreaking.
What you are doing is amazing! I have always dreamed about going to Africa to study Lions and for you to do it, makes me cry. My one dream is to go and learn about Tigers and Lions and to one day write a book about my experiences like Diane Fossey!
Keep doing what you love!
Heather
Caira Said:
Wow, I think my heart almost stopped for a moment reading this. I can’t imagine what it could possibly be like to live so close to these magnificent creatures and befriend them. I’m very sorry for your loss. I do hope to meet one of his young in the future. =)
What’s it like to be around them? To touch something that is so completely beautiful, powerful, and could kill you in an instant? I think about it often. I love big cats and envy you. =)
VitalikGromovss Said:
I’m in love with you, my Adonis.
Chrissy Cassidy Said:
I watched the program on ABC tonight and I just loved it. I had never heard of you before (sorry!) and I think you are mildly insane, but you are awesome. I was shocked and saddened to read that Brutus had died. I sort of felt close to him after watching the show.
After seeing the show, I am interested in learning more about lions and wildlife in general. Thank you for your contribution to this world.
Mac Said:
Just watched your special on ABC and loved the show. Looking forward to Into the Pride. I was very sorry to hear about Brutus, but at least you gave the World a view of at least one amazing animal through this process with him.
Judi Said:
My kids will be devastated!!!
I can’t imagine how you felt to know he passed on.
That, though, is the “circle of life” of which you understand completely.
Melissa Said:
It is August 12th and yesterday ABC had a show called outsiders on. You were interacting with Brutus quite a bit. Your techniques are impressive. I was amazed and captivated by the whole thing. I am sorry about Brutus. He was beautiful as all lions are.
rebecca whitley Said:
I have finally found someone that loves cats as much as i do. It has always been my dream to have a lion laying around in front of my fireplace.But i will have to settle with 2 house cats. You are amazing. And i will be keeping up with you and your travels. Look up and read about Tigerland in Rockwell N.C. As soon as i have time i’m going to go and visit and feed the tigers.Just finished watching the show. Amazing. Take care. Rebecca
Kyle Reynolds Said:
I am sadened to hear that your pal Brutus is no longer withus in the physical world. I am glad to hear you had great experiences with him before his passing. Perhaps this will give his life and death even more meaning. I just started watching into the pride and saw him charge you for the first time. That had to be heart stopping. I totaly understand the bond you developed with him. I feel the same way about animals I photograph in the wild and I have nowhere near the contact with them you had with Brutus. My condolences and congratulations on your work.
Sincerely
Kyle Reynolds
Morning Said:
Long live Brutus! Dave, he surely will live on in you as he affected deeply the very fabric of your being. Be well.
Kyle Reynolds Said:
I am saddened to hear that your pal Brutus is no longer with us in the physical world. I am glad to hear you had great experiences with him before his passing. Perhaps this will give his life and death even more meaning. I just started watching into the pride and saw him charge you for the first time. That had to be heart stopping. I totally understand the bond you developed with him. I feel the same way about animals I photograph in the wild and I have nowhere near the contact with them you had with Brutus. My condolences and congratulations on your work.
Sincerely
Kyle Reynolds
SR Said:
So sad to hear that Brutus is gone. I’ve been watching INTO THE PRIDE. Makes me very nervous to see you go in there. Each time you get off your vehicle, I get scared!
I did a search on the web for you to make sure you are still around !! Glad that you are!
allison Said:
aw thats so sad
Patrick Said:
I watched the premier of “Into The Pride” last night, and loved it.
So to search and find your site today and read the Brutus has passed away was a shock.
I am sorry for the loss of such a magnificent animal.
I look forward to watching the rest of the series.
Crisanto Said:
Hi Dave,
I was really saddened to read this blog entry. I just watched the 3rd episode of Into the Pride, and I found this website after Googling you to learn more about your background and such.
I believe I found one of my soul mates in my dog Buddy, who gave me 10 years of loyal companionship. He’s been gone for a few years now, but I still feel the void left by his absence.
One of my life dreams is to get close enough to touch a big cat. If you can recommend somewhere that I might be able to do that I’d be forever grateful. Or maybe you could hook me up? I will gladly come to wherever you are!
Jenn Said:
I’m sooo sorry to hear about the loss of Brutus. I watched the show Into the Pride the other night, and Brutus had an amazing energy and soul about him. The pride lost a great king.
It is true that we can create a unexplainable bond with some animals that they will leave foot prints in our hearts and we will never be the same. I will always remember the 2 who have done that for me.
I want to thank you for what you’ve done and are continuing to do. With humman’s building everywhere and not leaving much land for wild animals to call home the only choice they have is the one we’ve created for them. I believe it’s important for us to be there voice. To stand by them, educate people about them and help them however we can. Thank you.
Deborah Said:
I JUST READ ABOUT BRUTUS. I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOST. I HAVE WATCH AND WILL WATCH INTO THE PRIDE. TO SEE THEM CLOSE LIKE THAT AND TO TOUCH THEM MUST GIVE YOU A FEELING I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW. IF I COULD BE ON THIS EARTH ALONE I WOULD LOVE FOR IT TO BE ME AND ANIMALS. I JUST LOVE WATCHING THEM AND SEE WHY THEY DO WHAT THEY DO. THE CLOSEST WILD ANIMAL THAT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET TO IS A SQUAIRREL THAT COMES ON MY PORCH AND I JUST LOVE WATCHING HIM. ONE DAY I WOULD LOVE TO LIVE OUT IN THE WOODS AND JUST LET SEE WHAT I CAN SEE.
I WILL BE WATCHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. WELL YOUR SECOND FAMILY.
TAKE CARE
DEB
dimagromovfoto Said:
I think its a great work & it certainly will make many realise that how precious their love is.
Kyle Reynolds Said:
I am saddened to hear that your pal Brutus is no longer with us in the physical
world. I am glad to hear you had great experiences with him before his passing.
Perhaps this will give his life and death even more meaning. I just started
watching into the pride and saw him charge you for the first time. That had to
be heart stopping. I totally understand the bond you developed with him. I feel
the same way about animals I photograph in the wild and I have nowhere near the
contact with them you had with Brutus. We also jus texperienced a loss in our family as one of our cats of 14 years passed away last night. It is a tough loss and will be dificult to come to terms with, but our other animal family members will help us through it. You are my wife’s favorite wildlife expert and she is taking this loss very hard. She was also saddened to hear of the loss of Brutus. My condolences and congratulations on
your work.
Sincerely
Kyle Reynolds
Jenn Said:
This is terrable news! It’s wierd that by watching the show it’s like we (The viewers) become a part of the family. I wish you the best, I’ll keep watching if you keep doing what you do.I honestly want you to know that you inspire me. You Remind me that life is what you make it and any dream you have is accomplishable. No matter how far away it may seem or how strange it might be,to everyone else.
A Said:
Is there any website that we can follow the lion pride, because I would like to follow the pride(like a month report every month), and did Otis take over and has the rest of the pride.
Connie Tracy in SYR NY Said:
I hope it may comfort you in some way to know that Brutus now sits at GOD’s side. GOD always takes the best of his ceatures first. Much like you, Brutus was an amazing creature….You both are facinating to watch. I’m one of those people who gets what you are trying to do. I remain a fan of the animals. I pray for their survival..We humans have so much more to learn from them!
Thanks for all you do to educate us!
Connie
carryledwards Said:
My heart broke when I read that Brutus was dead. I am so sorry Dave, I know what it’s like to lose an animal friend. It hurts so much and if you are not a real animal lover then you just won’t understand how it feels.
carryledwards Said:
Dave, My heart broke when I read that Brutus had died. I’ve had the opportunity to work with big cats in the past and miss it terribly. Brutus was a beautiful lion and I know you and his pride will miss him. We’ll just have to hope his cubs will carry on his legecy. I’ve tried to reach you to get an email address so we could correspond each other. carryledwards94@gmail.com Take care and hope to hear from you soon. Carryl
Michele Said:
Much respect to Brutus. And to your work to save him and his pride.
John P Said:
How did Brutus die? Old age, attacked?
Mary Ann Said:
I’m so sorry that Brutus died. Your friendship and respect for each other was beautiful! He lives on in your heart and the hearts of those who love this show.
marissa court Said:
IM SO SORRY
i have been following into the pride on animal planet. Im so sorry for the loss… the connection the 2 of you had on the program amazes me; everytime i watch it.
I also want to say that what you do is amazing. So many people fear the animals you work with because we have a lack of understanding. So many humans are close minded and never want to take the time to look at a situation threw someone else life. I say someone else and not animal because as you get to know any animal you find we have more in common then we think. (im sure you knew that) Thank you for sharing your experiences threw your productions. But also for bringing us (the viewers) into the prides way of life. You are an amazing person.
also i might say it doesnt hurt that you are a very attractive man… im sure you knew that
Amy A Said:
I am so sorry to hear that King Brutus has passed. I’ve loved watching Into the Pride, as well as your other shows. Just last night we were discussing the amazing work you do and how vital it is. I know Brutus has left paw prints on your heart and you’ll always have the memories, especially your 33rd birthday party. Thank you for bringing the beauty of your world to ours.
Wes Brown Said:
I am currently watching Into the Pride. I really hate to hear about Brutus. I understand the feeling of connecting with animals, and Im glad you brought Brutus into our lives. I love watching what you do, and I can clearly see the aura of love you have for God’s creatures. With our ever changing world, Im glad they (animals) have you on their side. I am a big fan and I like it when I see you on talk shows too. Stay green, represent, and keep watch over the animal spirits. They say, when you transcend into heaven, your relatives sometime have to wait to greet you because of all the animal souls you touched on earth run to greet you as well…… I’d love to see the crowd that meets you. Fun thought. Peace.
jsnjarrell Said:
well im very sad to here that im about 4-5 epso into the the show now and its gonna be very sad watching and knowing hes already gone.my fav part so far is when he charged you and you could tell by his face he was not playing around he deff won the stand off.how are the 2 tigers ron and julie?
Charles Said:
i am so shocked to hear this. well i think maybe otus will toughen up and lead the pride but he was old too right? but i don’t know if cleo will have that. well i hope you can follow that pride and see what becomes of them now that you have interested everyone. i am a big fan and i know that your work with ron and julie has and will continue to help the number of rapidly falling wild tigers left in the world. i was wondering what kind of schooling you would feel best for someone to become a panthera trainer? also how can i show my dedication and stand out from all the other people out there who don’t really understand what it takes the hours and time and bonds that have to be made but you surely know. hope you read this. a long time follower
Lisa Said:
So sorry to hear about your friends passing. Will Otis now take over the pride? Is Whinny still alive and well? I love your shows, I have actually gone back and watched numerous shows that you did. The most fun was watching you play and show affection.
God bless you for all that you do, and keep you safe.
Lisa
ps if there is a fund to help any of your projects please forward the email.
SHANNON Said:
I’m realy sorry Dave. I could kinda feel that acheing pain through your post. He was a beautiful animal with lots of personality. You are really blessed to have had such intimate moments with him. I hope you are well.
~Shannon
Stefanie Said:
I’m so sorry to hear about Brutus
I watched the “Into the Pride” series on Animal Planet, and it was amazing! I LOVE big cats too and you are such an inspiration to animal lovers like myself. I soo want to do what you do someday. Brutus was a great lion.
Dee Said:
So sad! I think what your doing is amazing! Love Into The Pride. My family thinks I’m nuts, but I told them when I turn 40 in a few years that I want to go there instead of have a big party. Very inspirational.
Dee
Diana Said:
Dave,
I am sorry for your loss, as it must truly feel like the genuine loss of a friend. My husband and I and our two children watched Into the Pride every Thursday night and just saw the last one tonight. After we put the kids to bed, my husband looked at me and said, ‘I can’t believe how attached I got to these lions just by watching this show…’ I feel the same way. We were priveledged to be able to have such an intimate glance not only into the pride, but into you as a person as well. Your courage, respcet for the animals and perserverance is something my entire family admires. We thank you for sharing this amazing experience with us.
Be safe, God bless and we and the kids look forward to seeing more of you and what new and astonishin things you have to show us.
Diana
Lisa DeConti Said:
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your dear friend Brutus. I watched the final episode of Into the Pride last night and could see how Brutus was beginning to fail. Sometimes there are no human connections that can match the ones we have with our beloved animals. The bonds we make with our animal companions far transcend human bonds as they go much deeper into our souls. You are very blessed to have had him as a part of your life. I know he will be missed by you and everyone you brought into his life. He will live forever in our lives.
Janet- Kitty lady Said:
Dave:
Today is Sept. 4th, 2009 and I would like to wish you a Happy Birthday despite feeling so very sad that Brutus passed away.
As a fellow Virgo and one that had a pride of 6 kitties that I found and rescued from the wild bush of Bushwick, Brooklyn; (worked for USDA then), I truly empathize with you. It’s a wonderful feeling to connect with cats (big or small), and I knew what my pride was thinking and wanted…a wonderful feeling.
However, because of economic down turn I had to live with a relative that forced me to give up my beloved kitties. It’s been two years and there is still a void in my heart. Like you, I have vivid dreams of my guys and I swear their little spirits are in my home.
Keep up the GREAT work, Dave; I admire you and your work. (Wish I could do what you do)!
Jan
Liz Said:
RIP Brutus! He was such a beautiful cat, and he was the king. I’m so sorry to hear he’s gone, I know how much he meant to you.
Tim Said:
Sorry for Brutus’ death. That was a bad-ass (aka great) lion. RIP.
Jennifer Said:
Sorry to hear about Brutus. He was a great lion to watch and see you interact with. I hope you will have an opporunity to go back and do a follow up as it feels like the story isn’t finished. Take care.
Jennifer
Michele Said:
I just finished watching the final episode of Into the Pride. I followed it from the beginning and also fell in love with Brutus, albeit vicariously thru you. I wasn’t ready for the show to end and so I looked you up online to see what has happened to your friends (and all of ours) since you left them. I’m sad to hear about Brutus. I work in the veterinary field and am not naive about what state of health he was in, but was saddened all the same. I hope to see more of you in the future. You did a fantastic job and should be very proud of what you have done. Thank you for sharing that work with the rest of us. And thank you for portraying all of it in such a touching and reality-based way. Thank you, Dave!!
Aimee W. Said:
Dave,
your show is neat. I appreciate some things about the show, like the fact that you had it filmed so you could share it with others on their couches (me included). I felt like I was there, a few of the times you were charged I felt quite frightened and the adrenaline was really going! whew! I also appreciated your energy /persona, Steve Irwin and Jeff Corwin are great, but you took us into how, why and what the Lions were thinking and what their motivation and reasoning was behind their actions- not just “look at this pretty snake”.
*Plus you discussed things like assertiveness and misdirected aggression which is something I wish more people understood- and it’s fascinating to think about the similarities/differences between lions and humans in these ways- IF any real differences exist. p.s. sorry about Mr. Brutus.
Holly Said:
Dang that’s too bad…
However, on a brighter note, I just got back from a vacation where I visited a zoo. While there I spent most of my time photographing the big cats, especially the lions. I was so moved by the experience (and excited for Into The Pride the following day) I bought a big stuffed lion that I plan to put in my dorm room…and what did I name him you ask? Brutus
-Holly
Felicia Said:
Dave
I am soooo sorry to hear about Brutus…I just watched that finale and it was heart breaking to see Brutus getting older..I have been wondering since the finale how he is doing? How is the rest of the Pride? Will we ever get an update on them?
Thank You
Felicia
kameo Said:
You are the most amazing man i have ever seen~ I am a writer, and have the task of writing a book about Angels right now. One thing we are discussing is how God commanded us to ‘have dominion over, and subdue all living things…’
The way you handle these lions is living proof that it can be done.
I think you are the most amazing, sexy man i have ever seen, and I look forward to following your career ~
Adam Said:
Hi dave, sorry to hear about brutus!…from watching the show I could see your bond with him.
Laura Said:
Hi Dave,
I saw an interview you did on one of the news shows. I immediately looked up “Into The Pride” and DVR’d it. My husband and I watched it religiously and I even had my children watching it (after they heard me & my husband discussing it).
I just wanted to let you know how much we all enjoyed your show. I found myself yelling at the T.V. (many times) as I thought Brutus and/or Cleo was going to eat you.
It was a very entertaining show.
Anyway, I was very saddened when I read about Brutus’ passing.
As my husband and I watched the last show, I was a “blubbering idiot”, my husband couldn’t believe I was “crying” over a Lion that lives in the wild..”it’s the circle of life” he reminded me. Still, I was sad (as I’m certain you were) to learn of his death.
Thank you for doing the show and staying true to your dedication to the animals.
You’re Awesome!
~Laura~
Deb Said:
So sorry to hear about the grand old man-he was so dignified and a good leader.You pointed out that he seemed sick and was declining rapidly. I hope it was quick and painless.I will always remember your “birthday party” with Brutus. Rest in peace Big Guy………..
Melissa C. Said:
So sorry to hear about Brutus! After watching “Into The Pride” I can see how the loss of a great animal, even a wild one, can be tough. Brutus was a GREAT LION and will be remembered as such. What you posted was a very sweet tribute for a very great friend. Sorry for your loss.
St. Louis Said:
Dave,
So very sorry to read your news about Brutus. He was my favorite. Whenever he charged you (that we got to see) I always said a little prayer that you BOTH would come out of the encounter o.k.
Very glad to see that you always did.
The last scene of the series was absolutely perfect. I can only imagine the amount of satisfaction you felt knowing what an enormous accomplishment that was.
Here’s another accomplishment: I’m an outta shape, 50-something, suburban gal who has never even been particularly fond of animals…not that I would ever hurt one or anything, I just don’t feel the need to have pets or animals around me a lot.
And I’ve never, ever, been camping. Um, my idea of “roughing it” is staying at a Holiday Inn because they don’t have room service.
BUT… here’s the thing:
I was addicted to “Into the Pride” from the first ten minutes. I couldn’t wait for each installment. I was mesmerized.
And now I dream of visiting Africa, getting close enough to some of those magnificent creatures to capture them in photos, and I would surely consider that the trip of my life.
Even if I had to stay in a tent.
And use, um, “primitive”, uh, facilities.
Really.
See what you’ve done?
Red Said:
I have been watching the show and it is such a loss. Such a beautiful and majestic animal. It is a blessing for all of us to have gotten to see him and we thank you,Dave, for that. And luckily he will live on in your heart forever.
Kristen Said:
Dave,
I had sent you a few messages on twitter b/c I really wanted to know what happened to Brutis and to the rest of the pride after the show ended. I hadn’t heard back, so I thought I would search online. When I came upon your website and saw the headline, “The King is Dead”…I immediately starting tearing up. I can only imagine how you felt, b/c I fell in love with these animals just watching the show on TV. I also saw the show where you helped teach Ron and Julie to hunt and the connection you have with these animals is amazing and I love being able to be a part of those experiences. I am a huge animal lover and try to be active in conservation organizations like WWF and ASPCA to do what I can to help animals. I love Animal Planet and Discovery channel and look forward to seeing more of your shows. I know you are busy, but PLEASE update your fans on how the rest of Brutis’ pride is doing. Thanks
Kristen
Kerry Said:
I am so sad, Thank-you for bring the Lion Pride into our lives and the tigers also, until then I didn’t know how dangerous it was to losing them I was in total shock on the numbers of wild lions and tigers. Please do more shows to educate the next generation. Miss you Brutus.
Meg Said:
Very sorry Brutus is gone, but so glad you showed us a glimpse of his life.
If your aim was to inspire, you hit it spot on.
Well done, Dave.
Brooke Said:
Aww Im sad to hear Brutis is gone…I loved Brutis he was my favorite out of the pride. Dave you are an inspiration and a hero to me. Keep doing what you do and BE SAFE you crazy guy!
Love you Dave!
sharon collette Said:
Oh what a sad sad loss I’m so sorry he was a very majestic guy ! he will be missed by those lucky enough to have had a glimpse into his life .
ON another subject how are the tigers doing ? I recently saw the show about the two tigers you trained to hunt for themselves and was wondering how they are ??.
Donna Applebaum Said:
I just finished watching Into The Pride. I was saddened to hear of Brutus’ passing. However, like someone else has already said, Brutus now sits with God free from all physical ills. He has also left his paw prints on many hearts. He was both a Great Warrior and a Great Teacher.
Donna
Golden Valley,MN
Kristy Said:
I am so happy I searched for you because I was wondering/worrying about Brutus after I watched the last episode (again). As a viewer, I am very sad so I can only imagine how you feel. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful journey with the world and introducing everyone to Brutus. I’m hooked and can’t wait to see what you do in the future. Take care!
- Kristy (Atlanta, GA)
Антон Павлович Said:
Мде …
Извиняюсь, но не могли бы Вы дать больше информации….
Kylie Batt Said:
Жаль, что сейчас не могу высказаться - тороплюсь на работу. Освобожусь - обязательно выскажу своё мнение по этому вопросу….
модель /стендистка /промоутер /консультант I found out today that Brutus is dead…..