Our handsome young lion King will celebrate his very first Christmas at our big cat rescue centre in South Africa this month.

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our supporters, in July we gave King a permanent home at Shamwari. He was rescued from an apartment in Paris where he was kept illegally as an ‘exotic pet’ and is now enjoying a life free from harm in a natural, safe and spacious enclosure.

His story touched the hearts of animal lovers across the world. In September, we were delighted to accept the Animal Rescue Award at the Daily Mirror Animal Hero Awards 2018 on his behalf.

It is currently summer in South Africa, and on Christmas Day King will no doubt spend the day doing what he likes best – dozing in the shade. But he’s also a playful lion with lots of character. He loves exploring and is fascinated by the different insects that visit his enclosure.

“King is growing! He has a mane going on,” says Glen Vena, Born Free’s Animal Care Manager.