However, as the months passed, Christian’s size augmented rapidly. He grew from 35 to 185 pounds within a year. He ate a copious amount; two solid meals, two liquid meals, and supplements were required every day. As Christian’s size and appetite grew to mammoth proportions, the owners decided they could no longer keep him. They could not procrastinate: It was mandatory to find a way for Christian
to live in the wild.
By chance two people who had been involved in the movie Born Free, which had gathered accolades from animal rights activists, walked into the furniture store, and saw the lion. They suggested that the owners contact George Adamson, who had handled the lions used in the movie.
He had gained the adulation of wildlife enthusiasts with his intelligent and sensitive treatment of the animals. Adamson suggested that Christian be returned to the wild in Kenya. But this required much negotiation with the government. Meanwhile, Christian had become too big for life in London. So he was moved to a large house in the country, surrounded by land, near the sea. Country life required adjustments. Christian’s tolerance for cold water had to be cultivated gradually. When he first put his paw into the sea, he shivered and quickly withdrew it.
After a few months the arrangements for travel to Kenya were completed, and Christian was packed in a crate. Rendall and Bourke made the trip to Africa and accompanied him to the Kora game park. However, realizing that Adamson was an expert, they gave him full discretion in handling their former pet and returned to London. Under Adamson’s zealous care, Christian gradually became a wild animal living in the
game park.
After a while, though, Rendall and Bourke grew lonely for Christian, and decided to visit Kenya. Christian was now living the life of a lion—a lion that kills for food. Would he remember them? Would he attack? So it was with fear that they stood in the game park, waiting for Christian to approach. Recognizing them, Christian came up cautiously.
As he sniffed the air, Rendall and Bourke tensed. Then it happened. Christian ran toward them, stood on his hind legs, and hugged them. The greeting was lion style. Christian wrapped his front paws around their shoulders and licked them. The video that captures this moment was made more than thirty years ago, using technology that is now obsolete. But it is so moving that it has become a You-Tube hit, viewed
by millions.
For two successive years, 1972 and 1973, the men went back to see their former pet. Then, as Christian became wilder, they stopped. What happened to Christian? It is believed that he lived a long and successful life, and may have even been the head of his pride (or group of lions).
He probably died of natural causes. George Adamson was not as lucky: he was ambushed and murdered by bandits. But the work he did with Christian lives on, and has touched the heart of millions who have viewed the video. Rendall and Bourke have written a book entitled A Lion Called Christian that records their experiences. The lion who lived in the center of Swinging London has become a symbol of animal rights across the world.
Source: The World of Words
Margaret Ann Richek
@aalaeeTOEFLiBT