logo

Men come to Africa to meet the lion they raised few years ago, despite warnings

Rebelander Basilan
Oct 10, 2018
05:21 A.M.

Australian expats John Rendall and Anthony "Ace" Bourke came back to Africa to visit the lion they brought home years ago.

Advertisement

The lion named Christian has gained popularity after the video of the reunion with his heroes become a worldwide hit on YouTube, as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald.

The story of Cristian and the two men who one day got him started in 1969. At that time London was the perfect destination for some Australians, and among them, were Rendall and Bourke.

Follow us on our Twitter account, @amomama_usa, to learn more and scroll down to watch the video below.

Advertisement

"We met Christian in the Harrods zoo [pet shop]. The zoo was beside the rug department and I remember he got out one night and ate several goatskin rugs," Rendall said.

He added, "My first feeling on seeing him was of being astounded, really: he was just so beautiful. It just seemed like such an adventure to buy him [at a cost of 250 guineas]."

Cristian's maintenance and care turned out to be more complex as he grew. A year later, Rendall and Bourke transferred the lion to a furniture store.

At that point, the two got authorization from a priest to let Christian run in the church's burial ground.

But the circumstance was getting increasingly complicated and the expense of keeping up a lion likewise expanded. Rendall and Bourke then realized that they couldn't have Christian for any longer in London.

Advertisement

The solution came with a visit to the furniture store of the stars of the film "Born Free," Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna. It was them who recommended Rendall and Bourke to request assistance from George Adamson, a Kenyan progressive.

They did as such and Adamson, alongside his better half, consented to reintegrate Christian into the natural habitat at his compound in the Kora National Reserve.

The errand was difficult. Cristian was acquainted with the natural environment with another lion that was used in the motion picture "Born Free." Adamson later included a female pup with the goal of making a herd.

After a year and after many requests, work and effort contributed, Adamson managed to get the herd settled in the region of Kora with Cristian at the head.

In 1971, Rendall and Bourke discovered that Cristian had finally managed to live in a natural habitat, free and cheerful.

Source: Facebook/Christian The Lion

Source: Facebook/Christian The Lion

Advertisement

At that point, they chose to make a trip to Kenya to visit the animal that, for an entire year, was their incredible companion. That was the moment the documentary "Christian, the lion" was filmed.

The documentary tells how Adamson firmly believes that it is impossible for Cristian to recall his previous owners, who once looked after him.

But, as you can see in the video, when Cristian shows up on the screen, there are a few moments of caution, and after two or three seconds the lion rushes on Rendall and Bourke so delighted to see them again, as though it were a little cat.

"That day we went back to see him, people who watch it on YouTube expect that we were frightened. But we had such a strong bond with him, there was no fear," Bourke said.

He added. "If anything, our fear was that he would ignore us! I remember he was staring at us, and then we called. And we could tell; he was making his excited little happy grunts. I do remember thinking how huge he was, would we be able to hold him? But we knew he was happy to see us."

Advertisement

"Looking back, certainly, it was one of the happy moments of my life - an extraordinary time in both our lives," Bourke continued.

Christian's story helps us to remember a lioness who had not seen her owner for a long time, and was overjoyed when her gates opened so she could give him big hugs and tons of kisses.

Watch their heartwarming reunion in the video below:

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

After 60 Years of Marriage, I Found Out My Whole Life Was a Lie – Story of the Day

February 08, 2024

People Opened up about Their Canceled Weddings after Learning the Truth about Other Halves

February 22, 2024

Rich Girl Meets Her Ex Begging on the Street – Story of the Day

November 09, 2023

Woman Comes Back Home From Work, Finds Naked Homeless Man In Her Bed – Story of the Day

October 31, 2023

Groom Hides a Secret From His Bride, But Karma Gets The Job Done – Story of the Day

January 15, 2024

Old Man Living Alone All His Life Finds Out He Has Children – Story of the Day

February 23, 2024

I Remember Giving Birth to My Daughter, but DNA Test Results Show I'm Not Her Bio Mom, While My Husband Is Her Bio Dad

February 07, 2024

I Remember Giving Birth to My Daughter, but DNA Test Results Show I'm Not Her Bio Mom, While My Husband Is Her Bio Dad

January 25, 2024

Anthony Hopkins, 85, & His Silver-Haired Wife Defy Their Ages in Classy Outfits in Recent Outing

November 04, 2023

JLo's Ex Became Dad Following Proposal to New Partner a Month after Singer Got Engaged to Ben Affleck Again

January 17, 2024

Teen Idol Anthony Michael Hall Renews Wedding Vows with Wife & Shows Their 5-Month-Old Baby at the Ceremony

November 28, 2023

Woman Returns Home From Work, Finds Naked Homeless Man In Her Bed – Story of the Day

December 08, 2023

Couple Leaves Kids with Cousin for Restaurant Visit, Are Horrified to See Their House Surrounded by Police on TV — Story of the Day

December 15, 2023

Neal McDonough Was Fired and Then Lost House Because He Refused to Appear Unfaithful to Wife on Screen

December 27, 2023