While we celebrate Valentine’s Day here in the States, across East Asia, the biggest celebration of the year starts today: the Lunar New Year. The year of the tiger starts today, but my mind is full of the story of a very special lion. You may have seen this story a while back on the news, but it’s a great one to share with all your loved ones on this day of double celebration. It never fails to make me cry!
Harrod’s department store in London is famous for its legend of being able to sell you whatever it is you’d like to buy. One day in 1969, Ace Bourke and John Rendall were browsing the aisles when they came upon an adorable lion cub looking sad in cramped cage. The two friends fell in love with the cub, paid the equivalent of $4000, and left the store the proud owners of a pet lion they called Christian.
London in the 1960s, was a much different place than it is today and not only did Christian entertain customers in the custom furniture store where Ace and John worked, he also went for regular walks down the city streets. He was obviously a very special lion and never bit anyone which is more than I can say about Coco, my 10 pound maltepoo! Lions are social animals and are often seen lounging with their pride, one on top of another.
Playing wheelbarrow! Ever playful Christian is always up for fun and games.
To Christian, his human friends were his pride. He was gentle and he loved to play with the neighborhood children.
Christian playing with a neighborhood child
Whenever I see this video, I can’t help but bawl my eyes out at the wonder and the power of love. I am overwhelmed at the feeling that there are so many animals as well as children out there who are at this moment in need of love and good homes where they could thrive.
2010 is predicted to be a tumultuous year, but the Tiger’s influence offers us courage, while inviting bold actions and risk taking. I definitely feel the urge to take some bold actions to reach out to kids in need of love and affection and this year, BOBO will be partnering with various organizations whose mission is it to help kids every single day. Happy New Year and Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone! Here’s to all those out there who love the story of Christian as much as I do and vow to live each day with the heart of a lion.
Majestic Christian adjusts to life in the wild and is the head of his own pride in Kenya.
For more pictures and information on Christian the lion, check out Animal Planet.
