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THE heart-tugging video diary of Christian the lion, a big cat who lived in a London antiques shop, has become an internet sensation - 38 years after he was returned to life in the African bush. The home movie has been watched 6m times on YouTube and other sites, rekindling celebrity for two Australians who bought a lion cub from Harrods in 1969 to impress their friends.
The trio became stars in Chelsea, playing football in a park, but Christian grew too big and at 18 months he was moved to the Kenyan wildlife sanctuary featured in the film Born Free.
A year later his former owners, John Rendall and Anthony Bourke, visited the sanctuary, but its founder, George Adamson, warned them to stay away from Christian, who was now in the wild and had his own pride. He said the lion would tear them to pieces.
Instead, as the film shows, Christian rushed towards them, putting his paws on Rendall’s shoulders and licking his face in joy. It is a moment of touching friendship that has reduced millions to tears, say critics, who believe Christian, along with other “positive” video hits such as the dancing man, where a chunky American dances badly across the world, show how the net is becoming more family-friendly.
After the meeting, Christian was never seen again.
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Wonderful story, ALL animal should be free and not kept in zoo's. Great to see a lion being reintroduced into the wild where he belongs, good on you John and Ace.
L J , aberdeen, uk
If you want to see the video clip then you can see it still at
http://www.christianthelion.co.uk
alan, london, uk
I am in total agreement with Andy, Vancouver, Canada: "Humans are the most dangerous animal on earth." If there is anyone who doesn't get even a tiny bit of joy from this story or a bit of realization how all animals carry emotions too, please give up your "membership" in what we call mankind.
Amara Bleau, Chicago, Illinois, United States
This video brought me to such a level of sobbing that my guy came running into the room. My heart broke with joy at the beauty of this pure love.
Julie Webster, Vancouver, Canada
An amazing story in paradox to mankind's general treatment of animals. Humans - the most dangerous animal on earth.
Andy , Vancouver , Canada
love changes ............................................love changes everything
Joe Crombie, columbus, usa
Perhaps one day the human race will aknowledge its own supremely delusional arrogance and aknowledge that maybe WE are the dumbest most aggressive species on this planet!
Mike Brienza, Halstead, U.K.
beautiful......just beautiful; something to gladen the heart
Andrew Melville-Jackson, london,
I like many others have watched this video and have to say I have never seen anything so beautiful. I bawled my eyes out.
Gleneice, Perth, Australia
i couln,t believe my eyes. i cried and cried!
julia Whatley, Exeter, England
As an animal lover, the video was just the most moving thing I have ever seen!
You could see in the carers faces, how much they loved the Lion. Clearly, it was reciprocated.
Loved It!!!!
Natasha, Frankston, Australia
Wonderfully uplifting in this cruel, cynical and harsh world.
Even some of the sarcastic comments here have not spoilt the beauty of this video for me!
It shows a real bond of love there - so uplifting.
Marion, Bedford, U.K.
There's a lesson to be learned here. In an age where we read about increasing child and animal abuse, murder and other forms of cruelty among our own species, it's uplifting to be reminded that love does exist.
Iris Salsman, Clayton, Missouri, USA
Love and affection transcends all other forms of behavior. Non human animals will be the last group to acquire their rights. We are biologically programed through evolution to see anything different from us with suspicion and even hostility.
Maybe we will learn to see beyond this.
George C Johnson MD, Gainesville, Georgia, USA
I will never forget Elsa from Born Free
Sheila Kilvington, London, England
And how is it known millions were reduced to tears.
It was nice, but I certainly didn't cry over it.
And there is a darker side. Not too long ago a tiger killed
its keeper who he had known as a cub.
It was a nice video but a freak happening. I am happy it
worked out.. It was heartwarming.
Jerry Scroggin, Phoenix, Arizona/USA
A touching video, just a shame about the God awful music.
Mac, Waterford,
I remember reading about the boys in George Adamson's 'My Pride and Joy' and it is wonderful now to be able to see the heart warming end to their story. Thank you, the best thing I've seen for ages!
annie, orkney, UK
I thought it was beautiful. Love knows no bounds, and shows that animals are sentient beings, capable of remembering... Loved the music too it went well with the video.
J Bowden, Kingston upon Thames, surrey
I thought it was a lovely story, and shows the link between animals and humans can be such an honour if we care and respect one another. Loved the music too and thought it was very apt for the film. Touched my heart..
Jan Bowden, Kingston upon Thames,
That movie brought a tear to me and my daughters eyes but it did feel like an advert for friends reunited,the music didn't help!
Lydia, worcester,
What a great story . Lets have more to lighten the tragedies that are happening all around the world and put some smiles about.
patrick j power, amsterdam, netherlands
This is so positive and beautiful
Christine, Chatham, UK
fantastic I cry everytime I play it
Rita
rita gromb, london, uk
Thanks. That's all...just...thanks.
Kristy, Abilene,
That is one of the most heartwarming things I have ever seen
Isaac, Seattle, WA, USA
It brought tears to my eyes. The song says it all. Simply beautiful to watch!
Jalbert, NDIP Qc., Canada
I'll always remember where I was when I watched that video.
Howard, Stockport,
This just goes to show that even animals know the difference btw being raised with loved and held captive... nothing could be more beautiful
Jillian Hanbach, Rochester , United States
Cats, wild or domesticated, are very intelligent creatures who are capable of great loyalty and affection. A fact that is heavily neglected. This film doesn't surprise me, cats are big hearted and have a good memory, ( especially for the vet!)
judy, Liverpool, England
A really beautiful thing to watch.
Nerak Emis, Cambridge, UK
I caught myself with tears in my eyes too. Wonderful video!
I would hope Christians, his wife and pride were moved and not destroyed.
Seeing the joy of re-union between Christian and his human pride reminded me of the prophecy in Is 11 where we'll all be in harmony with each other and animals.
Carol, Newmarket, Canada
Further evidence that humanity in general has, out of choice or ignorance, grossly underestimated the intelligence and emotional complexity of our furry freinds? I suspect many would drastically alter their consumption habits if they even suspected that their roast dinner once had "feelings".
James Spencer, Leighton Buzzard, UK
What a wonderful story.
Nick, Grantham, UK
mmm, not many people know that the decendents of "elsie" the born free lion had to be destroyed after becoming maneaters due to their prides exposure to human contact. Areas of Tanzania are still prone to such incidents due to the ongoing competition for scarce resources and habitat.
Sean, norwich , england
This is brilliant. Surely you missed out the idea that the Lion KNEW they were coming home - pretty central to the story I would have thought. So would Rupert Sheldrake who has been studying this phenomenon for years. Brilliant stuff.
Pam Smart, Bury, UK
Unbelievable. Great video. Wonder what happened to the Lion, hope he is o.k.
hilda, Oxford, Gt.Britain
great Sunday treat!
norm, canberra, australia
wonderful video
carolyn johnson, chicago, il