What to do when a lion needs a drink?
Take a photograph!
© Derek Cattani
In the 1970s, two men, John Rendall and Anthony "Ace" Bourke went on a shopping trip to Harrods Department store in London. The motto of this legendary emporium was “Omnia Omnibus Unique,” which translates to "All things for all people, everywhere." In 1970 you could buy anything you wanted… including a living, breathing, beautiful lion cub.
The two men purchased Christian for the princely sum of £200 (approx US$313) and brought him home to their tiny apartment on the Kings Road above a furniture store called The Sophisticat.
Derek Cattani was the lucky photographer and animal lover who became the documentarian of this unlikely cross-species friendship. He was able to capture the most astonishing moments. Derek’s photographs of a curious lion sniffing baby chicks with curiosity, not bloodlust, made headlines worldwide. And there was more to come. A lion riding around in the back seat of a Mercedes, a lion sharing a meal, a lion playing soccer in a London cemetary; the photo opportunities were a photographer’s dream come true.
© Derek Cattani
As Christian grew, it became apparent that their flat was too small to contain a fully grown lion. So the men made plans to relocate Christian back into the wild. This was done in a time without the internet and easy communication. It took six months of negotiations and planning with the Kenyan government and a dedicated group of lion lovers to deliver Christian safely back to Africa.
Photographer Derek Cattani takes a light reading from Christian at Kora. © John Rendall
Christian the Lion successfully made the transition to become King of the jungle with his own pride.
A year later, John and Ace returned to the exact place where they had released Christian and to their amazement, after some time waiting, he greeted them. Not only did he remember them, but he introduced them to his lionesses. A simply astonishing, beautiful moment that became one of the most viewed film clips on youtube of all time. Here it is again for all those who haven’t seen it and for those who have, a heartwarming reminder of what a beautiful relationship these two men shared with Christian the Lion.
© Derek Cattani
Lions numbered in the hundreds of thousands when Derek first went to Africa. Sadly today, only an estimated 15,000 lions are left in the wild. These beautiful animals are heading towards extinction in the wild without our help.
© Derek Cattani
WATCH THE ORIGINAL YOUTUBE VIDEO ABOVE THAT CAPTIVATED MILLIONS OF VIEWERS
Derek has dedicated his life to helping lions remain in the wild through his work with LionAid.
If you would like to know more or find out how you can help, press on the link below to connect with LionAid.
For more on this incredible cross-species friendship, photographer Derek Cattani tells his story to actress, singer and lion lover Maria Elena Infantino in a fascinating conversation published in the Lab Mag STORY edition.