Christian the Lion

Friendship leaves an indelible impression on our hearts, even when it is experienced second-hand, even when it is among the unlikeliest of friends.

In London, in 1969, two young men, John Rendall and Ace Berg, saw a lonely little lion cub in a cage, in the exotic animals department of Harrods. They decided to bring him home, and for about a year, he lived the life of an urban cat in the basement of Rendall’s flat in Chelsea. The lion, now named Christian, would occasionally take his exercise in the grounds of a local church.

However, as he grew larger, even though he was still friendly, it became apparent that he should be returned to the wild. Rendall and Berg made contact with the conservationist, George Adamson, and it was decided to move Christian to a lion preserve in Africa.

Rendall and Berg maintained contact with Adamson to keep tabs on Christian’s new life. In 1974, the conservationist told them that the lion had finally adapted to the Wild. He was the leader of his pride and had a litter of cubs. Though advised by Adamson not to bother, Rendall and Berg nevertheless decided to make a trip to see Christian, and to say a final goodbye. Go to the following link to watch a clip of that unforgettable reunion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNv2A4Kfx4k&feature=related