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The Lion Reunion Video Sensation

Posted: Wednesday, July 30, 2008 9:22 AM by Dan Fleschner
Filed Under:

UPDATE:  You asked for it, and we delivered.  Today Meredith caught up with Christian's former owners, John Rendall and Ace Bourke, over 30 years after the reunion video was filmed.  Check out the story and video, as well as photos of Christian in London and Africa.


We've all been there. You buy a baby lion, raise it in your home, then have to return it to the wilds of Africa because it grows too large for your apartment/house/hovel. 

If it's happened to me once, it's happened 10 times.

And apparently, it happened to a couple of British men in the 1970s. The difference with their experience, though, is that a year after bringing the lion back to Africa, they returned to see if they could find their feline friend (known as Christian).

Against all odds, they were reunited (in slow motion) with Christian, and the video -- set to Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" has become a viral video sensation. And apparently, it's not a hoax. Want more? Read the FULL STORY or see the VIDEO.

We had to cut away before the last lines of the video, but this is what they say:

"Love knows no limits and true friendships last a lifetime. Get back in touch with someone today. You'll be glad you did."

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I LOVE this video. It is truely amazing, and out of the norm for when animals are released. There was obviously a very special bond with these three. I cry everytime I see it and I really appreciate Meredith on the TODAY show. She as been my favorite co-host ever. I thought David was enjoying the video in his own way, and after all those tears, I appreciated someone making me laugh. Matt woulda/coulda done the same thing. My boys still make jokes when they see the lion start running for the two men.

Ali Haywood (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:03 PM)

What happened to John and Anthony?  I hope they know how awesome people like me and all my friends and family think they are for doing this wonderful thing for this animal.  It's my favorite animal story - I watch it everyday, more so the snopes.com version because of the Aerosmith background song.  John and Anthony - if you're reading this - you guys rock - God bless - always!!!!!!!!

Jilly, Bridgeport, CT (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:04 PM)

this is interesting.  Incidentally I watched this several weeks ago while browsing on u-tube...the whole playing on the church lawn was not there, nor the documentary thing, nor the corny Houston soundtrack...it just briefly stated that these guys had set it off in the wild after they'd had him as a cub.  they went to go visit and it recognized them when they came back.

you dont see the faces of the guys in the beginning - only in the last part of the video.  

seems more to the story now than before...as well as all the mush about the lion coming to the camp the nite before after not seeing him for 3 months...

little expansion for hype??

I do love that last clip with the lion, but please - keep it real.

John Doe, frederick, MD (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:04 PM)

That was beautiful and those 2 guys are very very brave. How would they know that Christian would not bite them once he had his paws around their necks. Very brave.

Canakid (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:05 PM)

I loved this story and I also cried like a baby.  I'm not surprised that Christian remembered his friends.  They obviously treated him with loving kindness.  I wasn't especially proud about David's remarks.  I'll chalk it up to inexperience rather than calousness

Polly Baker, Fayetteville, Ar. (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:08 PM)

very touching video,i cried every time i see it.we need more of this stories now with so much hate in the world.

Karen Melendez,Gilroy,California (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:09 PM)

I think nature is wonderful......if human beings could learn from nature. It was obvious the lion loved and missed his two friends. I would love to know more about this story.....

Pam Kolar, Newport, TN (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:12 PM)

Wow. Sad movies make me cry-that's why I don't watch them. This however was soooo worth the tears. Now I want to share this vid with all my friends.

Can we hear from the former owners of Christian?

Gipsy Spirit, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:12 PM)

A pic is better then 1000 words. It is sad to hear a department store used to sell wild animals. Thank God 2 decent human beings saved this one. I read Born Free years ago and saw the movie too. These 3 were lucky to have had Adamson's help. See what can happen when there is real love and understanding and compassion for others in the world.

KT (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:12 PM)

I think David was trying to laugh to keep from crying himself. I think this is what some men do because they don't want others to think they are sissy. Why did it take so long for someone to show this video. I would like to know what happened to the men and the lion.

B Guerre (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:13 PM)

After waiting 1-1/2 hours after the initial segment was announced to be coming 'next' - I was moved to tears by this old footage.  It does tug at your heartstrings.  I then went to 'you tube' and watched the next 10 videos of 'Christian, the Lion Who Thought He Was People.'  Amazing!  Ace and John must now be in their 50s.  I would also like to see a follow up story on them and hear their story first hand.  What about that 'Today?'  After waiting for the story to air, I was extremely disappointed in David Gregory's laughter (I normally enjoy him).  He took that moving, sweet sequence and made it a joke.  It was NOT appropriate for this story.  But thanks for airing it - I'd like to see it again on your show - sans the laughter and inappropriate comments - Meredith's tears mirrored my own!

N Campbell, Denver, Colorado (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:14 PM)

Beautiful video to watch.

I heard that the two men and the naturalist were killed by poachers in Kenya at different times. Does anyone know if this is true?

trish, Portland, OR (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:14 PM)

Wonderful positive emotion!! The greatest wild animal video I have ever seen.  It brought tears to my eyes.  Why did we have to destroy it with the negative comments about David.  He's just playing on Meredith's obvious emotional reaction...he's a man...com'on you guys!  Enjoy it for what it is.      

Deborah, Alta Loma, CA (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:16 PM)

I thought this was one of the most touching videos I have ever seen. I showed this to my  grand daughter and she cried. It shows friendship and love at its best.  

LeAnna Swanson (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:21 PM)

I have to hold this the best number 1 story of all time. I was a truly moved by it. tears stream down my cheeks everytime i watch it! I consider this a miracle that God allows to take place. This is a afframation that he does exsist. and that man and beast can co-exist on this planet. I as a little girl I read the book "Born Free" "Living Free" and "Forever Free" and have watched the movie so many times. But this clip has one up on the "Elsa" story.
Thank You for allowing me to experience the story from a home movie camera! i would like to know what happened to the 2 young men. i hope to see more on these two incrediable men.

Mary Hussey Murrieta, Ca. (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:23 PM)

I bought the old video on a DVD at the dollar store! It had been transferred to DVD format, has the title and a bit of intro. So surprised to see a clip on YouTube. The whole story should be posted, as it is incredable - esp. with Adamson's love of his lion, who broke a limb, needed surgery and, even in pain, trusted George to help (this was in Kenya, introducing Christian to other lions).

goodcat, Toltec AZ (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:24 PM)

I would really appreciate it if you could find the
2 guys in the video. Think of the joy you would give yoir viewers finding & interviewing the 2 guys everyone is talking about.

April Davila Denver, CO (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:27 PM)

I'll try again. Both owners are alive and well and are even considering another book.

They were not killed with Mr Adamson.

Buster, Atlantic City, NJ (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:28 PM)

More information:  http://www.kimbawlion.com/christian.htm

Kathy, Phoenix, Arizona (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:31 PM)

I have seen and re-seen this video so many times and it makes me cry everytime. As Christian approaches cautiously at first and then recognizes his old 'pride,' you can see that recognition in his gait as he bounds towards the two men. For anyone who has a cat, you can recognize the 'marking' that Christian is making as he rubs his face all over his human friends' faces. He is acknowldeging their position with his family. The obvious joy on the faces of Ace and John was heartwarming.

As for David Gregory, his unfeeling and stupid remarks were uncalled for. So what if Meredith was crying? She is human, with a loving and compassionate heart - something obviously missing in David. If David has pets, they have my sympathy.

However, I wish to address an issue this brings up...exotic animals should not be pets. John and Ace AND Christian were lucky. He was able to make the conversion to living as a wild, successful male lion, with his own pride. Other pet/captive animals are not always so fortunate. Look at the story of Lucy Temerlin, a Chimpanzee who was taught American Sign Language. Her story can be found on the Wikipedia site:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucy_Temerlin_(chimpanzee). When her human care givers were no longer able to care for her, she was sent to a Chimpanzee rehabilitation center in Gambia. A young Chimpanzee, accustomed to the comforts of living as a human, including a nip of gin, was poached and skinned. Humans had not been her enemies and she died for not knowing to be afraid and cautious. Most animals that have been raised in captivity would find the same fate if 'returned to the wild.' Christian is the exception, not the standard.

Noella Wyatt, Ellensburg, WA (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:34 PM)

I saw this video for the first time a couple of weeks ago and I have cried happy tears with a full heart every time I watch it. Meredith got it right! David, you missed the boat & need a "do-over" on this one. This story and video are examples of pure and deep love. I am grateful they were shared!

Katherine Cantrell, Guthrie, OK (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:36 PM)

Just more proof that animals love deeply. My chocolate Cocker Spaniel lets me know every time he sees me. It reminded me of the bond between CoCo and me. Thanks so much to whoever shared the video.

Kim, Hickory, NC (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:37 PM)

Probably the best video I have ever seen.  Simply amazing!!!!!!  What a beautiful story.  We need more of this in the world!

todd jacobs (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:37 PM)

I absolutely Loved the "Christian" video on The View. I was so touched that I watched the same thing one hour later on a different channel so I could record it. Then came to work today and what do ya know!  It is all over the internet and I had most of the girls here in the office crying showing it to them.  I've watched over a dozen times by sharing with co-workers and the first few times were hard to watch through the tears. What wonderful men that raised him and Thanks for Sharing!  God Bless

B.Lanehart - Hobbs, New mexico (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:37 PM)

its all "real" rent the DVD Christian the lion or read the book by ANthony Bourke "A Lion Called Christian"
The footage of the church is from the documentary/film.
Christain was released into the wild by George Adamson, same man who raised Elsa from Born Free.
There are many clips of Christian on youtube that was taken from the film. The reunion also features George Adamson in the background..he is the one walking towards them at the end older man with shorts.

Sylvie K (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:38 PM)

This was the most beautiful and touching story I have ever seen!  I have watched it 3x's today and I've cryed the same, each time.  These men are just amazing with how they raised this beautiful animal and what they did for him.  If these two can respond, what do they think happened to Christian, since he was never seen again??  
I also agree with the David comments!  I don't even remotely know why he was laughing!  I love the Todaay Show, but I don't really care for him!  This is just another example of why!!

Nicole Staggs, Nashville, TN (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:38 PM)

To ge 'pa' have you not heard about siegfried & roy's thoughts on the so called 'attack' by their beloved lion.  The lion hauled him off to it's cage because she was protecting him because she sensed that he was in danger which he was because he was having a stroke.  The only problem was that she didn't realize that her lion teeth would puncture human skin and cause more harm.  But you are correct in this story being the exception.  It's never a good idea to try and make something wild a pet or to revisit a re-introduced animal.  

me (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:38 PM)

What a beautiful touching video.  Made me cry, accolades to these two wonderful men who cared for this lion and loved it enough to let it go.  David, so disappointed in your coverage of the video.

Melanie, Zanesville, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:45 PM)

I've Googled all over the place for more than a year to find out what happened to Bourke and Rendall. There is little to no information available.

Today, please find them and interview them. They deserve to know about how famous they are.

Vicky (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:46 PM)

i will always remember for sure

jan kentfield CA (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:48 PM)

Thank you for sharing such a touching story. It is a timeless piece. It doesn't matter when it took place, or where everyone is today. Enjoy this story for what it is. A real Love Story!

Susan, Texas (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:53 PM)

I was very touched by the video and it was actually the 2nd one I have seen of a lion being reunited with it's care giver. (the other one can be seen if you go to youtube and type in "Lion and rescuer reunited"--also VERY touching). I agree with the other posts in regards to David Gregory's candor today. I thought he was unprofessional and mocking. This was a very touching story!

Tatianna, WC, PA (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:56 PM)

I have seen this video before. I cried this time as I did the first time. These days it is touching to see something so emotionally beautiful. To bad David could not join the moment and let his emotions be touched (if he has any) maybe he was afraid to cry on TV.  Just not manly maybe? So sad he had to degrade it for others who do have sensitive emotions and got  joy from seeing Christians reunion with ones he loved. Thanks for showing it to those who had not seen it before. Amazing story. Unforgetable.

Bettie, Phoenix,AZ (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 6:00 PM)

OMG I'm at work right now bawling my eyes out. I hope nobody looks in my cube space any time soon

L.A. (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 6:03 PM)

What a sweet reminder of how animals feel. Gratitude is something we wish humans would express more. Thank you for sharing, and as for the anchorman, he was trying so hard to cover his true feelings, he ended up sounding shallow!

Juana Cusi, Mexico City, Mexico (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 6:09 PM)

what a wonderful story. It would be so nice to know what happened to all of them.

Rita Erdman, Yuma, Az (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 6:11 PM)

I got and read the book from my library...really fascinating.  I too have wondered what happened to those two young men.  Surely they could be found given the resources of The Today Show.

Carol, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 6:11 PM)

Many years ago, I had the joy of working at a local zoo, with an African Lion, who went on a hunger protest when I took a week holiday from my job... he stopped eating, and even stopped roaring... when I came back to the zoo, after the holiday, he stood up and roared...

My daughter, knowing how much I love lions sent me this video several months ago... it still touches me and reminds me of my own Simba...  

margie, So Calif (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 6:12 PM)

This made me cry! I'm sure if those two guys are christians in faith they will be forever united with Christian in the next world!  

Sheila Demus, Rockford, Il (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 6:15 PM)

"That is the power of LOVE", it has everlasting effects no matter how wild the beast.

Christine, Spring Hill, FL (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 6:16 PM)

My family had a similar experience in 1964. My father, while on an expedition in South America, brought home a mountain lion cub who was orphaned. Her name was "Cleopatra" and she lived in our home in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. I was 5 yrs. old and soon Cleo got to be too big and a bit aggressive in the house. Long story short, we were able to find her a suitable home at a place in central Ohio and when we went to visit her, she did recognize our whole family!  Therefore, this story about "Christian" really hits home! Too cool!

Kim , Jamestown, R.I. (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 6:16 PM)

This video pulls at your heartstrings, anyone who did not feel something after reading the story and then watching it is not human and has no soul. Instead of dwelling on the stupid remarks of the co-host lets keep the story in our minds and our hearts

Angela, Baltimore, MD (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 6:21 PM)

"Love knows no limits and true friendships last a lifetime..." This is so true! Amazing story, very-very touching! It prouves that a friendship,fidelity and connection are possible between animals and humans. I always believed that it mainly depends on the human knoledge and skills how successful and rewarding the trainning is with one intelligent animal or pet.
Could you please tells us more about this story or suggest where we can find the information about it.
Thank you so much.
Natasha.

Nataliya Ivkina, Carlsbad CA (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 6:21 PM)

It is a very touching movie. Animals are now suffering for what humans have done to MotherNature and climate. Glad they had a great place to look after Christian. In Singapore, the only place is a miserly cage...if we managed to smuggle one in. Zzzz..

Bosz Creations, Singapore (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 6:33 PM)

Every time I think of the beautiful story about the lion being reunited with his human friends I start to cry.  What a wonderful story with a real message for us all.  As I was telling my husband at dinner, I broke down again and we were in a restaurant no less.  We need more stories like this!!!!!!

Suzanne Stroop Noblesville, Indiana (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 6:33 PM)

Wow, somebody needs to show that male(David whoever) host the door over there at NBC. Great video, but absolutely insensitive to make jokes about it.

Paul, Lihue, hi (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 6:34 PM)

i was surfing  the web and ran into this beautiful & amazing video. i cried like a baby.  Christian, the lion is very special.  and the young men who raised Christian did something right.  that lion not only remembered them and still loved them. But trusted them why else would he introduce his lioness to them.  This video should be showed to all children to teach respect and love for the puppies, kitties & other small creatures that share our world. Sandy

Sandy Martin, Schenectady, NY (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 6:35 PM)

I watched this video with awe. It did make me cry, then I showed it to my grandson(12) he choked out loud, what a beautiful story. A little rudeness came from David, with his last sentence, maybe he thinks he cute,I don't think so. Thanks for a wonderful video,

Jeanne C.M.Frederickson Albuquerque, New Mexico (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 6:37 PM)

This is one of the most incredible stories.  I would like to know more. Anyone who thinks an animal has no soul or feelings is wrong.  Clearly, the feel more than most human beings.  I hope they find the two men and interview them.  I would like to know how they feel about this coverage of the story.  David Gregory was unprofessional and opinionated about the story and it was offensive.

Frieda, Tulsa, OK (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 6:44 PM)

This is such a heartwarming video in a time when we really need to see how love can cure all. I cried too when watching on the Today show, and then again on my computer. It would be wonderful to know where these two men are, and how they felt after seeing their friend..

Sharon Johnson Chariton, IA (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 6:57 PM)



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