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    A Lion Called Christian: The True Story of the Remarkable Bond Between Two Friends and a Lion
    Unavailable
    A Lion Called Christian: The True Story of the Remarkable Bond Between Two Friends and a Lion
    Unavailable
    A Lion Called Christian: The True Story of the Remarkable Bond Between Two Friends and a Lion
    Audiobook3 hours

    A Lion Called Christian: The True Story of the Remarkable Bond Between Two Friends and a Lion

    Written by Anthony Bourke and John Rendall

    Narrated by John Lee

    4/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this audiobook

    In 2008 an extraordinary two-minute film clip appeared on YouTube and immediately became an international phenomenon. It captures the moving reunion of two young men and their pet lion Christian, after they had left him in Africa with Born Free's George Adamson to introduce him into his rightful home in the wild.

    A Lion Called Christian tells the remarkable story of how Anthony "Ace" Bourke and John Rendall, visitors to London from Australia in 1969, bought the boisterous lion cub in the pet department of Harrods. For several months, the three of them shared a flat above a furniture shop on London's King's Road, where the charismatic and intelligent Christian quickly became a local celebrity, cruising the streets in the back of a Bentley, popping in for lunch at a local restaurant, even posing for a fashion advertisement. But the lion cub was growing up-fast-and soon even the walled church garden where he went for exercise wasn't large enough for him. How could Ace and John avoid having to send Christian to a zoo for the rest of his life? A coincidental meeting with English actors Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers, stars of the hit film Born Free, led to Christian being flown to Kenya and placed under the expert care of "the father of lions" George Adamson. Incredibly, when Ace and John returned to Kenya to see Christian a year later, they received a loving welcome from their lion, who was by then fully integrated into Africa and a life with other lions.

    Originally published in 1971, A Lion Called Christian is a touching and uplifting true story of an indelible human-animal bond. It is destined to become one of the great classics of animal literature.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPenguin Random House Audio
    Release dateMar 10, 2009
    ISBN9780739384596
    Unavailable
    A Lion Called Christian: The True Story of the Remarkable Bond Between Two Friends and a Lion

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    Reviews for A Lion Called Christian

    4/5

    109 ratings14 reviews

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    • 4/5
      I read this book whilst similarly being charged with an infant wild animal in my care, not anything as dramatic as one of the big cats, but rather less exotic: a fledgling crow who was suffering malnutrition and had been abandoned by it's parents. It was pure chance that I began reading this book at around that time, and although quite different from Ace and John's situation in both the circumstances of the acquisition as well as scale of responsibility, I discovered in a small way quite a few similarities in our situations.I too was surprised just how quickly and easily a young wild animal adapted to humans as it's carers. And without deliberately imposing to much anthropomorphism in to the equation, how easy it was to feel a bond growing between us that seemed to connect us on an emotional level (although my logical side reassures me that the birds excitement to see me in the morning was simply to be fed). I did however get to experience first hand just how intelligent these animals are and how quickly they learn. I can just imagine how impressed Ace and John must have been with Christian's progress as I was with Coal's.If this book has been criticised for lacking in details on the challenges of caring for a wild animal in the rural setting of a basement in West London, I can only assume that it is because, contrary to popular perception, the actual task at hand was remarkably trouble free and dare I say unremarkable in daily routine, with few oddities beyond those mentioned in the book - as recalled by the authors on several occasions.Finally, just like Ace and John discovered on their journey, I realised that I would require more expertise than first anticipated in order to return my animal successfully to the wild and sought out the skills of a proper wildlife hospital who, in much a similar way that George Adamson did with Christian, introduced Coal to a group of birds that he could form bonds with prior to release, rather than simply being set free alone into the local woodlands; where, even with hover support in the form of regular food drops, I was assured that he would have certainly perished falling victim to the other established groups already there.Reading this book also took me back to the 1970s, a different time and a very different London. For all it's faults and trappings it was a more liberated environment to live in than the claustrophobic and soulless city of today. Sure, it wasn't perfect. It was a little more edgy to be sure, but it was also far more interesting than today's grey streets.Regulations have since been put in place to prevent the open trafficking and private ownership of many exotics. But if you look closely at the state of our dwindling wildlife and the ecology of our planet in general it paints a bleak picture for the future.Sophisto-Cat at 475 Kings Road, where Christian lived with Ace and John has long since disappeared. In fact, by the time Ace and John said their final farewell to Christian at Kampi ya Simba in 1972, the shop along with Christian's basement were very likely already demolished, along with the whole area he once knew; sitting under the new World's End Estate.The story of a Lion Called Christian is destined sooner or later to be made into a major feature film. The fact that it hasn't already is very surprising indeed. I just hope that when the day comes and contracts are drawn up, that a significant portion will be put into the GAWPT so that Kora National Park may, as a result, be brought back from the brink and once again provide refuge for some of Africa's rescued lion prides.
    • 4/5
      The subtitle for this book really says it all. It is a true story and there was a remarkable bond between the humans and the lion. As I read it I felt transported back to the free-spirited way of life that we enjoyed in the 1960's. It's unlikely that this story would be repeated now. People can't just walk into a store (even one as all-encompassing as Harrod's) and buy a lion cub. And it's certainly doubtful that even if one happened to have a lion cub to raise that city officials and animal rights activists and all sorts of bureaucrats would allow it to be done in a store in the middle of London. That's probably a good thing for the animals involved but it does mean that these types of stories are much fewer than previously.
    • 4/5
      I purchased this book at a bookstore that was closing it's doors. The price was discounted, and it looked like a quick read. I had never seen the youtube.com video, or heard of it......When I got home, I watched the video and started the book immediately!The Youtube.com video brought me to tears and I just had to read the story of these men and this lion who obviously loved each other....how did this come to be? How does that happen?This story is about 2 men who came about puchasing a lion cub from Harrod's in London. They took this cub home to where they lived above a furniture store. You read about the goings on in raising this lion cub...how Christian would romp around the furniture store and play with the customers! As he got larger, he would sit in the windows of the furniture store and watch pedestrians walking by....they in turn, would stop and stare at the lion in the window!John and Ace (the 2 men) realized they wouldn't be able to keep him forever, so they found a way to "rehabilitate" Christian back into the wild. I will not give away the end of the story, but it's a heartwarming story of relationship, trust, love, nature. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves animal stories.
    • 5/5
      How can I give this any less than five stars? Christian's story is captivating and I am happy to know the real deal instead of drawing my own conclusions from the YouTube video. This touching story about a lion and the people who loved him enough to rescue him from a department store and integrate him back into Africa is an amazing testament of love and remarkable compassion. Whether you agree with that they did for Christian or not, you have to admit that they did the best they could for him. And that's tons more than most people do for their human families.
    • 5/5
      This is the true story of Anthony 'Ace' Bourke and John Rendall, two friends who bought a pet lion cub and named him Christian.Ace and John were two friends traveling in Europe, who found two lion cubs for sale at Harrods department store in 1969. They were shocked, and couldn't bear the thought of leaving the cubs to their fate in a zoo, circus or some rich eccentric's 'collection.' As surreal as the tale of finding lion cubs for sale at a department store (even if it was Harrods) may seem, the story gets even stranger from there - unable to find a flat that will allow them to have a lion, or give him adequate room to run and play, Ace and John moved into the spacious basement of the antique store where they work, a place called Sophisticat. Christian had the run of the basement, and was even allowed to run and play upstairs in the store with the customers! It seems amazing how well everyone, from the other staff at the store, to the clientele, responded to having a lion in their midst. The regular staff loved him, and someone was always available to play with him when the others were busy. Christian would sit on the stairs and knock customers' glasses and hats off their head! People came to the store to see him, and when he accidentally damaged an expensive table a woman had purchased she declared that the claw marks would only remind her of that 'magnificent creature!'When Christian grew too large to be happy or comfortable living in the shop, Ace and John got help from a man - George Adamson - whose life work was dedicated to rehabilitating lions into the wild. They flew to Africa with Christian, and stayed for the first several weeks, watching his first encounters with other lions and marveling at how, despite his pampered upbringing in London, he seemed to know instinctively how to act around them, how to hunt and how to survive in the wild. Ace and John went back to Africa together twice after that, once in 1971 and again in 1972, and John went back one final time in 1973, to check on Christian, and each time he remembered them and greeted them with obvious love and affection. After that, he wandered away from George Adamson's camp and was not seen again - hopefully he went off to establish his own territory somewhere in the wilds of Africa. Rating: 5/5 - this book warmed my heart - I completely fell in love with Christian, I was amazed by the stories that illustrated his great intelligence and gentle nature. I was equally amazed by how accepting everyone in London was to these two men with a lion, including the minister who let them use the church gardens to give Christian regular exercise! Ace Bourke and John Rendall also won my complete admiration. You can clearly see how much they loved Christian and how they cared for him and made his life in London wonderful. I also greatly admire them for all the hard work they undertook to get Christian successfully rehabilitated into the wild, rather than taking the easier options of giving him to a zoo or a circus.Recommended: to cat lovers everywhere.
    • 4/5
      This is the story of two men (Ace and John) who see a lion cub, Christian, at Harrods Department Store in London and purchase him. Once Christian becomes too big, they return him to the wild in Kenya with the help of George Adamson, called the "father of lions." Leaving aside the irresponsibility and stupidity of Harrods in having lion cubs for purchase in their store, it turns out to be a heartwarming tale of love between man and beast as Christian adjusts to being in the wild, mating with wild lionesses and hopefully establishing a pride of his own. Ace and John reunite with Christian one year and again at two years after Christian has lived in Kenya, but thereafter they have no idea what happened to him as he was never seen again. One hopes that he had a long and magnificent life in the wild. There is a YouTube video of the first reunion which has caused quite a sensation, and I want to thank a co-worker of mine for telling me of this story as I had never heard of it.
    • 4/5
      A lovely updated version of the 70s book written by two young Australians who became besotted with a lion cub for sale in Harrods and decided to take him home (as you do)... They lived with him in London for a year, first in a furniture shop, and then they were taken under the wing of Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna (of Born Free movie fame) who built a compound for Christian on their country estate just outside the city. From there he was flown to Kenya to be rehabilitated into a new wild pride by George Adamson (of actual Born Free fame), with Ace and John staying in the camp alongside him for several months. The book is updated to include the YouTube-famous reunions between Ace, John and Christian, first after a year, then again after two; the footage of a fully grown wild lion running to greet his old friends after all that time apart went viral and brought Christian's charming story to a whole new generation. The delightful stories from Christian's year in London are so funny and sweet, and his intelligence and playfulness make them a joy to read. Whether they're playing football in the garden, or Christian is playing coy with them, climbing onto their knees for a cuddle, or practising pouncing on shop customers from behind the furniture, the affection between the trio glows from every page. Oh, and there are photos! Highly recommended for lovers of heartwarming wildlife stories and cats of all sizes...
    • 4/5
      i am a sucker for wildlife stories and this one has it all. the you tube video is remarkable. the book is good. somewhat amaturish but good.
    • 4/5
      Christian was an amazing lion, but I was saddened to find out that we don't know the ending of the story. In a way, the YouTube ending is almost fitting, and it gives us something to believe and dream in.
    • 3/5
      After the YouTube explosion of the reunion of the lion with his two friends, they rewrote their book from the 1970s and added a bit about the YouTube phenomenon. Kind of interesting.
    • 5/5
      How can I give this any less than five stars? Christian's story is captivating and I am happy to know the real deal instead of drawing my own conclusions from the YouTube video. This touching story about a lion and the people who loved him enough to rescue him from a department store and integrate him back into Africa is an amazing testament of love and remarkable compassion. Whether you agree with that they did for Christian or not, you have to admit that they did the best they could for him. And that's tons more than most people do for their human families.
    • 5/5
      The authors describe how they bought a lion cub in a department store in London in 1969, were raising him for a year and then took him to Kenya where George Adamson rehabilitated him to the wild. It’s a warm, entertaining and very well-written book that any animal lover would enjoy, although not having read the original 1971 edition of this book, I cannot say how they compare or how much original material is in this one. The greater part of the book describes Christian in London in arresting detail. The authors found him very affectionate (he liked to jump from the floor into their arms and generally sit close to them) and were surprised that he wasn’t at all possessive about his food (they write that they could even take it from his mouth if necessary). He was obviously very playful, but quickly learned to be careful with people. The latter part of the book describes Christian’s sojourn in Adamson’s camp. Since the authors only stayed there for several weeks, there are no descriptions of rehabilitation to the wild per se (for instance, it’s not mentioned if Christian needed to be taught to hunt like Elsa was), but we learn a lot about Christian’s interactions with other captive lions from whom Adamson tried to create a pride and the wild lions in the area. Not surprisingly, they weren’t willing to give up part of their territory for the newcomers (would people?) and although Christian amazingly proved able to stand up to them and survive without major injuries even after his would-be pride-mates either died or, in case of some females, got absorbed into the existing prides, he couldn’t establish a territory there and later migrated “in the direction of the Meru National Park, a much more attractive area and a good hunting ground,” never to be seen again. The authors write: “We liked to imagine that he had established a territory and pride of his own, too far away to return and visit George.” Personally, I didn’t feel as optimistic when reading this book. Just because he went in the direction of the park, doesn’t mean he got there, and even if he did, a good hunting area would mean more lions and smaller territories, so they’d be even more able to defend their ground. Christian grew up to be a very large lion, but prides usually have two mature males defending them, and I’m not sure one, even large lion could defeat two and then defend the acquired territory successfully. Male cubs routinely disperse, driven out by their fathers when they grow up (which is nature’s way of preventing interbreeding), but usually they seem to do this with a pride-mate or two and the mortality rate for them during this time is high. On the other hand, in nature, male lions are much younger when they disperse than Christian was in 1972 and certainly nowhere as large, so, perhaps, there’s hope. Unfortunately, no prognosis from Adamson or someone with similar knowledge of lions and the area is included. Perhaps, if a specialist reads this book today, he/she would comment… But regardless, I found this book was very enjoyable and informative and certainly worth reading and very likely rereading.
    • 3/5
      Not quite what I was expecting. This book was originally published in 1971, which I didn't discover until after I started listening to it. This tells the tale leading up to the infamous YouTube video of a lion embracing the men who raised him when they are reunited in Africa. I had thought this reunion came after quite some time, since the video just surfaced. I was quite disappointed to discover that Ace and John had gone to see Christian only a year after leaving him in Africa. For a true story, there is a surprising lack of details. We learn that Christian was bought by the two men in Harrod's and they raised him in a store basement in London. But not a whole lot is really said about the complexity of raising a lion - they mainly focus on the novelty and other people's reactions to him in the store. I was also quite disappointed to not learn more about what happened in Christian's life after he was released in Africa. Granted, he is now a wild lion and might prove difficult to track but it really makes the story feel empty to not know he flourished in the wild. Interesting but disappointing
    • 4/5
      Just a lovely book about human-leonine friendship. No more to be said, really.