The latest YouTube sensation: Christian the Lion

Jason Sandford August 6, 2008

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

This video is the latest YouTube sensation that’s making millions of people teary. In brief, here’s the story: two guys raise a little lion, then set him off in the wild. They return, years later, to try and find him. Thinking he’s all but forgotten his human parents, they come with low expectations. But what a reunion it was.

Here’s the full story. Read it and be touched.

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

KC and the Sunshine Band

Old video of Tonite! Nude Girls performing in Asheville

4 Comments

Mahinda April 6, 2010

What a story? Unbelievable! After watching this story I started searching in the web for more on “Christian the Lion” and was lucky enough to watch many video clips on Youtube about this heartwarming story. I even found a online store dedicated to Christian the Lion (http://astore.amazon.com/christlion-20) and managed to purchase online a hardcover book on the story, the video and a superb framed poster on Christian the Lion. (The Framed Picture is a centerpiece in my study now!). Thanks once again for the story!

Reply
Melissa August 6, 2008

The video was shot in the 1970s — thereby explaining the 1970s hair…

From MSNBC.com:

Their first reunion was in early 1972, a year after Bourke and Rendall left Christian with Adamson. It is this event that is shown in the grainy film that has become such a sensation on YouTube (although the captions on at least one version of the video misidentify the event as taking place in 1974.)

The now-famous footage shows the cat approaching the two men, cautiously at first. Then, as recognition begins to dawn, the lion picks up his pace and leaps into the arms of his old roomies.

The film is color, but has no sound. Subtitles have been addded to tell the story, but they’re hardly needed. There are two men in flared jeans and shaggy hair, and there is a lion. The huge carnivore approaches from a distance, slowly at first. Then recognition sets in, and soon everyone — men and beast — are hugging and crying.

I must say that I don’t see Christian "crying," but…I get the idea.

Reply
Soni August 6, 2008

Awww, man. That vid always gets me right in the heart. Especially this time when the latest addition to my own family (new kitten! yay!) jumped up on my shoulder for a nuzzle just as the lion was going all kissy-face on those two.

Bawl.

Reply
what? August 6, 2008

So who’s the old guy?

Christian’s wife? Like she’d be comfortable meeting humans (prey)?

I think it’s a hoax. Plus what’s with the 70s hair?

Reply