This course is developed and presented by renowned lion ecologist Dr Paul Funston. Drawing on more than three decades of field research and conservation experience across Africa, the depth of knowledge and insight woven throughout the course reflects a lifetime dedicated to understanding and conserving lions.
Dr Paul Funston, Lion Ecologist
Dr Paul Funston is one of the world’s most respected lion ecologists, with over 30 years of field experience studying lions across Africa’s major ecosystems. His work has taken him from the savannas of Kruger National Park to the arid landscapes of the Kalahari, giving him a uniquely deep understanding of lion behaviour, ecology and conservation.
His research has helped shape modern scientific understanding of lion social systems, territorial behaviour, hunting strategies, and their ecological role as apex predators and keystone species in African ecosystems.
Today, through African Lion Conservation (PTY) LTD, Dr Funston advises conservation organisations, governments and protected areas across Africa on lion recovery, reintroductions, landscape management and human-lion coexistence strategies.
Having trained students, safari guides and conservation professionals across more African countries than any other lion specialist, Paul combines rigorous science with practical field experience and compelling storytelling. Quite simply, few people have spent as much time observing lions in the wild as Dr Paul Funston. This course gives you the rare opportunity to learn directly from one of Africa’s foremost lion experts.
Your learning does not end when the course does. Dr Funston is actively working in the field right now — producing a documentary, releasing an audio series and writing a book that extends everything covered in these six lectures. Follow his work to stay connected to the frontlines of lion conservation.
Road Through Lion Country
Dr Funston and filmmaker Bruce Donnelly travelled through Africa’s key lion strongholds to document the people and projects keeping lions alive. Watch to see how the science in this course plays out in the real world — unfiltered and on the ground.
Watch the documentary“Road Through Lion Country” — 7-Part Audio Documentary
A companion audio journey through Africa’s lion landscapes, crafted for deep listening. Seven episodes exploring the ecosystems, communities and conservation stories that define the future of lions. Ideal for continuing your learning after the course ends.
Listen to the seriesThree Decades in the Dust — Memoir & Manifesto
Dr Funston’s upcoming book is a deeply personal account of 30 years in lion conservation — part memoir, part manifesto for the future of the species. It challenges long-standing assumptions and makes the case that lions are the ultimate measure of whether conservation is truly working. Expected in 2026.
Follow at africanlionconservation.comReady to Begin?
Six lectures. Thirty years of field knowledge. One of Africa’s most iconic predators. Start with Lecture 1 and begin your journey inside the pride.
Start Lecture 1🦁 Welcome to Inside the Pride!
You're now part of an exclusive community of lion enthusiasts
and conservation professionals.
Join Dr. Paul Funston and your fellow students in our
private WhatsApp group — ask questions, share insights,
and go deeper into everything lions.
👉 Join the WhatsApp Group here:
Inside The Pride Group
Course Includes
- 7 Modules
- 7 Lessons
- 6 Quizzes
- Course Certificate
