His unusual life in the English countryside is being documented by a film crew recording his battles with the Government and animal rights protesters – a barmy tale that will sound eerily familiar to many.
Thomas Chipperfield with one of the lions that he keeps at his Staffordshire homeCredit: Supplied
13Thomas has been touted as the British equivalent of Joe Exoti, the star of the hit Netflix series Tiger KingCredit: ©2020 NETFLIX
13Joe was jailed for hatching a plot to kill sanctuary owner Carol BaskinCredit: Netflix’Britain’s last lion tamer’ keeps 35 exotic pets
13Thomas Chipperfield with one of the lions that he keeps at his Staffordshire homeCredit: Supplied
13Thomas used to work in the circus with the lions but says they miss the stimulationCredit: Supplied
13Thomas grew up around big cats and learned to tame themCredit: Supplied
13Joe Exotic cuddles his tiger cubs in the Netflix showCredit: Netflix’People have sympathy for Joe Exotic’
13Thomas performs in the ring at Chipperfield’s with one of his lionsCredit: SuppliedKidnap threats and warnings of acid attacks
13Thomas with girlfriend Celine Timmerman, who lives with him in StaffordshireCredit: SuppliedKilled by 8ft python’s ‘act of affection’
13Dan Brandon, from Hampshire, was killed by his 8ft pythonCredit: Enterprise News and Pictures
13Andy Johnson, pictured on the left, was bitten by one of his crocodilesCredit: SWNS:South West News ServiceSelling kittens for £5,000 a time
13Christine Courtney has servals because they are smaller than tigers and lionsCredit: Supplied
The Devon mum also breeds and sells the animalsCredit: Supplied