In Memory of "Christian" - the lion

ACE BOURKE, friend John Rendell AND CHRISTIAN THE LION

Yes what you are seeing, in this photo, is a lion by the name of Christian. She and her story has won the hearts of those all over the world. Her story begins with two friends Ace Bourke and John Rendall of Australia who, in the 60's, left their native country to explore the nuiances of Britian. While in London they made a visit to Harrods - a department store that had been so often referred to by anyone who had visited that area. While at Harrods, they happend to see a lion for sale and could not resist purchasing her. She ws 35 pounds when making the transaction and a year later she was 135 pounds and full of energy and with an obvious instinctual need to run, climb and much more.

Ace and John had found an inidviudal who was a grounds keeper of a church and willing to allow Christian to play and run about the courtyard. From that space / playground, fit for a lion, came the name of "Christian"..

Ace and John, in their realization that Christian was who she was and felt that she should be in an environment suited for her species. Ace and John connected with an individual in Kenya who was willing to have her present in their wildlife reserve. One can only try to imagine the separation anxiety that Ace, John and Christian experienced in the days and weeks ahead.

After a two-year period, Ace and John returned to the wildlife park and after days of searching they were re-united. Christian's excitement to once again be in the presence of Ace and John has been very well recorded and touches the hearts of all that view this.

My favourite viewing of this story is recorded on YouTube - if you wish to view this clipping, connect with YouTube and type in Christian the Lion - the View". Note the music that accomany's this story -- it is the voice of Whitney Houston and teh words bring out the best of the story and players.