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Christian the Lion: a story from Urgent Pet Care

By Eric Forrest on May 28, 2015

As Urgent Pet Care has started a new blog, we’ll be sharing some of their stories here on Pets in Omaha. Urgent Pet Care in Papillion is a unique place- open after typical vet hours for emergencies, the staff there can help your pets at times when your normal vet is not available.

Here’s a story from UPC’s blog about the relationship we can build with furry friends:

Today we want to share with you another amazing domestic pet story, one that you have to see to believe. It is a story of two men and their beloved pet lion, Christian. Yes, you read that right: a pet lion. In 1969, Ace Bourke and John Rendall bought Christian as a cub from the London department store Harrods, of all places. They cared for and loved him, but as Christian grew, they realized that they would soon no longer be able to care for their feline friend. Ultimately, putting Christian’s best interests first, they arranged for him to be reintroduced to the wild. Christian traveled to Kenya, where esteemed conservationist George Adamson helped Christian adapt to his new habitat.

One year after his return to Africa, Bourke and Rendall decided to visit their old friend. They had been warned by Adamson that Christian might not remember them, but they decided to take their chances.

The reunion that followed was nothing short of extraordinary, and it was all captured on film. Not only did Christian remember his former caregivers, he greeted them in what can only be described as profound joy. Don’t believe me? Watch their reunion here, (or, if you’re an Aerosmith fan, check out this version) and try to walk away with dry eyes.

Christian’s story is an incredible testament to the relationship that can exist between humans and animals. Though owning a pet lion isn’t appropriate (something Bourke and Rendall realized when they selflessly decided to release Christian into the wild), there is no denying that these three shared a remarkable bond. Every pet owner wants to do what is best for his or her pet’s health and overall quality of life.

We at Urgent Pet Care Omaha understand this relationship, and we are dedicated to providing the Christian in your life with the best care possible. Please contact us if you have any questions or animal emergencies. If you are interested in learning more about Christian, here’s a fantastic documentary.

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