Zion
Meet Zion! A kind 11-year-old African Lion that has a very heartwarming and interesting story to tell.
The Lion's first days were tough but this 69-year-old man stepped in and saved the day. Click next to see how their special relationship formed!
A Cute Cub
Zion was born in captivity, in a Zoo by a lioness that was named Simba, after the famous Disney movie The Lion King.
The zookeepers were afraid that Zion's father would try to kill him and decided to relocate him. Little did everyone know that this would make him meet his guardian angel!
Frikkie Von Solms
Frikkie Von Solms was one of the zookeepers who insisted on relocating Zion. But what's so special about him?
After he was relocated, Frikkie started spending more and more time with him, ultimately forming a very special bond with the lion!
Calm And Gentle
Frikkie described Zion as a very calm and gentle giant. Even as a cub, one could see the potential that this young animal had!
Frikkie started spending much more time with the cub and decided to make the best for it to grow up healthy.
A Great Caretaker
Frikkie did everything to help Zion recover from his abrupt separation from his mother.
He wanted to make sure that this wouldn't leave him with any serious trauma. He was truly willing to do anything for this little cub!
Walking Bearfoot
Frikkie proves how seriously he takes his job every day! Here's an example that proves my point and that will surely break your heart.
Zion seemed to be afraid of the sound that shoes make when they clomp against the ground so Frikkie, without hesitation, took off his shoes and would always walk barefoot next to Zion.
Zion Grew Up
As the years went by, these two fellsa officially became best friends. What an unusual friendship!
Zion kept growing and growing and Frikkie witnessed how he went from being a small cub to a full-grown African lion!
Hunting Together
Our duo also started going hunting together! Even though admittedly they've never caught anything, Frikkie usually simulates the experience of a real-life hunt for her.
As cute as it sounds, their "hunting" sessions would usually end with hugs and kisses! How can any prey feel intimidated by this lion?
Other Family Members
Frikkie made sure that Zion wasn't only socializing with him. Soon, after he made sure that Zion was ready, he let him meet other zoo animals.
For instance, the lion started interacting with leopards and cheetahs that Frikkie also took care of.
A True Professional
Frikkie is a professional caretaker who mostly looks after wild cats like cheetahs, tigers, leopards and of course... lions.
In his career as a Zookeeper he had successfully raised and cared 19 wild cats! But Zion wasn't any other cat...
Lessons Learned
Frikkie also admits that Zion has inspired him in many different ways. The two of them spent so much time with each other that he literally started considering him a member of his family.
“Zion is special because of the bond we share. I learned so much from him", the zookeeper admitted.
He Holds His Tail
To this day, the two of them usually enjoy taking long walks along the Zoo and Frikkie seems to really enjoy holding onto Zion's tail.
He must feel like he's taking his pup for a walk. He grabs his tail as if it were a leash! How funny is that?
Rides With The Truck
Frikkie also lets Zion board into his truck and tours her around the Zoo, always making sure that he doesn't do anything bad to the visitors.
Zion seems to know how to behave with other humans and, to be honest, he wouldn't harm anyone ever.
They Shared The Same Bed
Frikkie also admitted that he trusts Zion so much that he's even spent some nights sleeping alongside him in his truck.
This shows that he's 100% sure that Zion would never harm him. A lion and a human sleeping together... wow!
He's Lucky
Frikkie admits that lions have a brutal reputation, which is why people tend to fear them a lot.
In spite of this, he knows that Zion is an exception. With no doubt, he's extremely lucky to have developed that bond with him!
Complete Trust
“People talk about lions like they are just lions but they have personalities, they have humour and laugh", Frikkie said.
"Zion is a gentle giant. He has never attacked humans and I trust him completely", the zookeeper added.
Not For Everyone
Lions are indeed dangerous and if they haven't been raised with the presence of a human like Zion has, they can be potentially dangerous for humans.
In other word's, even though Frikkie has found in Zion a friend, this doesn't mean that lions are always a safe pet!
Growing Old Together
11 years have passed from the day that Frikkie and Zion's friendship first began. Can you believe it's been that long?
Many things have changed but Frikkie keeps finding the time to visit and spend time with Zion. Even if it's only a few minutes at lunchtime.
He Hopes For The Best
We're sure that Zion and Frikkie will continue enjoying each other's company and that their strong will keep growing stronger.
It's obvious that they've helped each other a lot for all these years. Friendship can take any shape and color after all!