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This Is How A Lion Became Best Friends With The Man Who Saved Him

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Brought to you by Ripley's Believe It or Not! 

Lions are widely misunderstood animals. They can of course be dangerous if provoked or aggressive when feeling threatened, but they definitely aren't monsters. For example, meet Zion, a gentle giant this 11-year-old African lion, and  he's being raised by Frikkie Von Solms, a 69-year-old lion caretaker from South Africa. Zion has been in Frikkie's care his whole life and the two of them have formed an extremely strong bond. 

Zion was born in captivity and his mother's name was Simba.

Sadly, people feared that Zion's father would kill him so he was relocated as a cub to the very man who would become his best friend. Zion has become increasingly gentle over the years they've spent together and it wouldn't have happened if not for his relationship with Frikkie.

In fact, Zion is so calm and mild that he doesn't even like the disruption of shoes upon the ground.

Therefore, out of respect, Frikkie always removes his footwear before taking his beautiful beastly pal out for a walk.


Recently, Frikkie told the Daily Mail that "it was a once in a lifetime experience to grow up with him and learn and live with him through all of the stages of being a lion."


As well, he stated “people talk about lions like they are just lions but they have personalities, they have humour and laugh....

Zion is a gentle giant. He has never attacked humans and I trust him completely.”

As the years have gone by, Zion and Frikkie have taken on many adventures together.

They even go hunting together but generally never hunt! Their escapades just typically end in friendly fighting, hugs, and kisses! Although they do spend much of their time together, Zion also lives with other lions, cheetahs, and leopards, all of which Frikkie takes care of too.

The two have a bond so close that Zion often goes on drives in the back of Frikkie's truck. They've even shared the same bed before! 


Frikkie himself has professionally taken care of larger, often dangerous animals for several years now. 

He has successfully raised and cared for 19 lions, tigers, and cheetahs.


Since he's worked with so many animals, his relationship with Zion is that much more meaningful because it's developed so deeply. 

Frikkie said that Zion "is special because of the bond we share. I learned so much from him."


An adorable tale of two beings who were never meant to be friends but have become integral to one another's lives. Amazing! 



Source - Click Here

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