Gibber-gabber
35 years later, Christian the lion still spreading joy
beingzoe 2008-08-16 20:49:53 UTC

You all may have seen the short video about Christian the Lion pawing its way around the interweb. The Christian the lion clips circulating are snippets of a documentary of the same name telling the tale of a lion born to zoo-kept parents, sold to a department store of all things, and then purchased and eventually set free in Africa by John Rendall and Anthony ‘Ace’ Bourke with help from conservationist and author George Adamson.

The original clip is a heart-wrenching experience of friendship and reunion. As if the story and reunion aren’t dramatic enough goes one step further set to Whitney Houston’s sentimental ballad I will alway’s love you.

I was among those moved by the clip. In fact I’ve been feeling down and withdrawn lately, like many people feeling the pinch and stress of difficult economic times, and this video has roused some sense of hope for the future.

When Christian is walking towards John and ‘Ace’ then begins to saunter excitedly towards them, jumping up with familiar joy, I was reminded of our dog, Umpa, who has this funny sort of sideways trot that has a majestic and proud look about it. As good as I feel watching the video of Christian the lion it is enhanced by the thought of recreating the video with Umpa in the role of Christian.

Since I haven’t posted anything for a while, I thought I would jump back in with this. The video above, Christian the Lion owners! John Rendall Anthony ‘Ace’ Bourke 35 years later! shows the original clips along with a little more history and thoughts.

I posted this in Health and Well Being because it has played a major role in cheering me up when I needed it most. Friends are so important, and sadly when I need them most I tend to disappear into my shell. I hope you have a similar sense of joy when you see the video. Take care and enjoy.

In the meantime I have some people to write and call to reconnect with thank for putting up with me.