The man casually scratched the male lion's back

In the video, the lion occasionally turns to face the man before roaring to show interest.

The video was shot at Glen Garriff Conservation Center (GGC) in Harrismith, South Africa.

The man in the video is the lion manager Mike Thulani while the lion named Smokey.

Mike Thulani is scratching his back for a lion named Smokey.

'Mike is a special man and has a special connection with all of our lions, especially Smokey,' said Suzanne Scott, a GGC employee.

'His talent is hard to explain but he seems to be able to connect with lions more than we know.

'Smokey is a 10-year-old male lion and a star of social networking.

'Mike knew Smokey for a long time, always taking care of it. They have great animal and human connections. Smokey often finds Mike to be scratched and interacted.

'I want to make it clear that this is a very special relationship and a special situation and we do not encourage people to try this . or stroking a lion, which is generally not good for my future. That lion '.