This candid image of a man wrestling with two full-grown lions is as heartwarming as it is fearsome – but the image has a serious undertone. 

Renowned Lion Whisperer Kevin Richardsonhas teamed up with wildlife photographer Adrian Steirn to shoot the perfect billboard shot - depicting the plight of Africa's lions and their future. 

The pictures were taken in December 2015 in collaboration with Mercedes Benz and give us a glimpse behind the scenes as the pair tried to get the perfect shot. 

Their aim was a single picture that would capture a conservation message: "What legacy will we leave for our future generations?"