Christian, The Lion Who Never Forgot
July 26th, 2008
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In 1969, John Rendall and Anthony “Ace” Berg went to the exotic animals department at Harrod’s, a London department store. They decided they had to check it out after their friend had walked in, declared that she wanted a camel, and the manager asked, “One hump or two, madam?”
To their amazement, John and Ace found a lion cub. He didn’t look happy, and they wanted to do something about that. They took him home, but Christian the lion quickly became too big for them to keep. They decided that…well, the video explains everything:
OK, the music is a bit ridiculous, but it’s an endearing video, don’t you think? It’s interesting how affectionate a partly wild lion can be, when a house cat won’t give you the time of day.
Disney has been criticized for making movies like The Lion King that lead kids to believe that certain animals are much friendlier than they really are. So make sure your kids don’t try this at home, as John and Ace were taking a big risk. Still, it’s nice to know that even a wild lion can remember old friends. Can you?
For more information and pictures, read Christian, the lion who lived in my London living room.
By the way, how does a lion get married?
July 27th, 2008 at 12:31 am
Wow Hunter. What an absolutely amazing story. I had no idea that Harrods were allowed to sell lions in the 60′s. It is so hard to imagine a lion living in a London home and travelling round in a Bentley.
Wasn’t it amazing how he recognised the folk he used to live with all that time later? And also that he knew they were coming.
What an unusual story. Thanks for sharing.
July 27th, 2008 at 1:44 am
This a truly inspirational and moving tale of man and beast, Hunter.
Would it be un-manly to admit that I watched it with a few tears in my eyes?
I don’t care- it was amazing!
Sniff…
July 27th, 2008 at 2:20 am
Hunter, this video is awesome! You’re right about the warning label for kids watching this … and yup, I agree the music is a little over the top.
Irene | Light Beckonss last blog post..Ask Why
July 27th, 2008 at 2:54 am
Hi Hunter,
That video brought tears to my eyes. It reminded me of how our dog is so happy to see us when we’ve been gone for the day. She doesn’t jump up and hug us, but you know she’s happy to see us.
That’s a touching video. How amazing that the lion remembered.
I’ve got to go and get a Kleenex.
July 27th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Yup, tears here too.
They took a big risk. But what a beautiful outcome!
Vereds last blog post..Being A Lawyer Was Sucking The Life Out Of Me
July 27th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
I’ve seen this video before. I’m still touched watching it again!
Thanks for sharing,
Evelyn
July 27th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
@ Cath, so they’re not allowed to sell lions anymore? That’s probably a good idea. I mean, what would you do with an adult lion? The store got him from the zoo, which makes me wonder why the zoo would sell their animals.
@ Scott, I think that’s OK.
@ Irene, the music is definitely over the top, but at the same time, it’s a big part of what makes this video work.
@ Barbara, I guess some dogs jump up, while some wag their tails, and others might do something else. Regardless of what they do, I’m sure their owners can tell when they’re happy.
@ Vered, I wonder if the other guy had tranq guns ready just in case!
@ Evelyn, I guess this is the kind of video that never goes out of style!
July 28th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
What a great story! Kind of like a reverse Tarzan. Although it would have been quite a different video if the lion hadn’t remembered them.
July 28th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
It was a pretty touching video, but I wasn’t able to relax until after I knew the lion would remember his caretakers. It was pretty awesome that the female lion that grew up strictly in the wild was also affectionate.
Al at 7Ps last blog post..Jump Right In!
July 29th, 2008 at 12:37 am
Very touching. Also shows an amazing level of trust by the lion and by John and Ace. I showed this to my partner John and I think I saw a tear in his eyes too.
July 29th, 2008 at 1:30 am
@ Marelisa, in that case, they hopefully wouldn’t put the video of Christian eating them on YouTube!
@ Al, that link at the end says that Christian had to wallop his wife with his paw because she didn’t like the guys at first!
@ Leanne, tremendous trust indeed! I wonder how many people would have done that.
July 30th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Love takes risks and offers vulnerability. Boy, when you see it like this, it really REALLY makes a point.
I appreciate the comments about how much risk humans took, but also, that love bond was amazing in how much risk that Lion took – given the behaviors of most humans.
Thanks Hunter!
Harmonys last blog post..Making Room For Change
July 30th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
@ Harmony, good point, Christian took a big risk too, from his perspective!
July 31st, 2008 at 5:27 pm
This actually made me cry. This was happy and sad at the same time. I actually put this video on my page at myspace. This was a true friendship and son family moment
July 31st, 2008 at 9:48 pm
ZakandKaitlynne, oh yeah, it’s happy, sad, and probably some other things too! Thanks for sharing it with others on your myspace page. Apparently it’s been making its way around the internet the last couple of years, but I only heard about it from my friend the other day.
April 5th, 2010 at 6:38 am
What a story? Unbelievable! After reading this story I started searching in the web for more on “Christian the Lion” and was lucky enough to watch many video clips on Youtube about this heartwarming story. I even found a online store dedicated to Christian the Lion and managed to purchase online a hardcover book on the story, the video and a superb framed poster on Christian the Lion. (The Framed Picture is a centerpiece in my study now!). Thanks once again for the story!