A Lion Called Christian

A Lion Called Christian paperback on sale in Australia 29-Apr-2010

The paperback edition of A Lion Called Christian is on sale in Australia from Monday 3 May.

More on Ace's Blog7-Apr-2010

Visit Ace Bourke's blog to read about his recent trip to LA to promote the launch of the US paperback and more. Click here for the blog.

Christian the Lion in YouTube's 50 Best Videos 31-Mar-2010

The reunion clip with Christian the Lion is one of YouTube's 50 Best Videos listed on the Time Magazine website. Click here to watch the video on the www.time.com website.

Ace Bourke in LA for the US paperback launch 15-Mar-2010

Ace is in LA this week and was taking part in radio interviews following the US launch of the paperback edition of A Lion Called Christian. You can listen to one of his interviews here.

Ace's blog 12-Mar-2010

Ace Bourke has recently started a blog site which brings together all of his interests including A Lion Called Christian, wildlife conservation and his interests in the art world.  You can visit the blog and leave comments at www.acebourke.wordpress.com.

This photograph is by Derek Cattani, prints are available for purchase on his website.

John Rendall recently spoke at the Early Risers Breakfast held at Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast 11-Feb-2010

John Rendall talks about his and Ace Bourke's story about Christian the lion at the Early Risers breakfast.

The Gold Coast Bulletin spoke with John before the event, click here to read the article. There is also a brief article following John's presentation here.

Ace Bourke speaks at Art After Hours at the Art Gallery NSW 29-Jan-2010

Ace Bourke speaks at Art After Hours at the Art Gallery NSW on 9 September 2009 about A Lion Called Christian with Bryan Seymour. Click here to see the video.

A Lion Called Christian is published in Portugal 16-Nov-2009

A Lion Called Christian has been published in Portugal and John was in Lisbon on the publication date.  He was interviewed on national television news and a clip of the segment is available online (7 minutes into the broadcast).

Harrod's announce Christian the Lion Tours for 201016-Nov-2009

A Lion Called Christian is featured in Harrod’s Magazine and Harrod’s announce Christian the Lion Tours with Abercrombie & Kent in 2010.  Click here for details .

Harrod's Newsletter 16-Nov-2009

Our visit to Harrods earlier this year was featured in their in-house newsletter. Click here to see it.

Christian the Lion Prints available for purchase 11-Aug-2009

A number of your favourites as well as never before seen photographs of Christian the Lion are now available to purchase. The images, many of which were featured in Ace Bourke and John Rendalls book A Lion Called Christian, were captured by photographer Derek Cattani in London during the time that Christian was living with Ace and John.

With a percentage of sales being donated to the George Adamson Wildlife Preservation Trust to continue their work in Africa, prints of Christian the Lion can be purchased from Christian the Lion Prints.

Christian the Lion: My Scrapbook is released in Australia31-Jul-2009

Ace Bourke and John Rendall are both thrilled to announce the release of Christian the Lion: My Scrapbook in Australia. Ideal for children, the glossy 26 page scrapbook features many never before seen photographs as well as favourite images of Ace, John and Christian that accompany the retelling of their amazing story in Christian's words.

Christian the Lion: My Scrapbook will be available to purchase from good bookstores across Australia as of the 1st August 2009.

A Lion Called Christian to be published on over fifteen new territories 24-Jul-2009

Ace Bourke and John Rendall's book A Lion Called Christian is on track to become a global success with the book confirmed to publish in over fifteen territories worldwide.

The publications will roll out over the next twelve months commencing on 30 July 2009 in Brazil followed by Italy, Norway, Spain and the mainland Chinese edition to be published by Christmas 2009.

The book has already been a success in Australia, New Zealand, the US and UK and continues to appear on best seller lists in these territories.

Congratulations to Ace Bourke23-Jul-2009

It has been a busy year for Ace Bourke, co-author of A Lion Called Christian, who graduated with a Masters of Arts from the University of Wollongong this week.

His MA(R), titled Family Footprints: Tracing the Past in the Present through Curatorial Autobiographical Practice, examines a new form of "autobiographical" curatorship that evolved from three major museum exhibitions he has staged over the last few years which have synthesised, to various degrees, Australian foundational narratives, an Aboriginal perspective, and his own family colonial history, which includes Governors Bourke and King.

Photographs from A Lion Called Christian Publicity Tour 30-Jun-2009

Ace Bourke and John Rendall are excited to share with you the photographs from their publicity tour for A Lion Called Christian.

The tour saw them appear on programs including Oprah, The View, and Entertainment Tonight in the US, This Morning with Richard and Judy and take part in numerous interviews for BBC Radio in the UK, Today Tonight and Sunrise in Australia and CCTV's "Us" in China.

To view the photographs click here.

An update from John Rendall and Ace Bourke 22-Jun-2009

We both loved our recent visit to China where we were interviewed in Beijing on CCTV's weekly program "Us" by host and executive producer Wang Lifen.

Her weekly television program "Us" can be seen in every house or village throughout China which is a potential viewing audience of 1.3 billion people we like to think! Lifen is very dynamic and had thoroughly researched our book and George Adamson's conservation work. She built a very interesting program around us with a diverse and informed audience all interested or actively involved in wildlife conservation. Many issues were discussed frankly with experts either in the studio or by video link to the World Wildlife Organisation in Switzerland. Others in the studio audience were local academics, Zhu Chunquan the Head of Conservation Operations for the World Wildlife Fund for Nature Beijing Office, World Wildlife Fund supporters, and people working in the field of pandas.

We were very pleased to learn that unlike the global trend for most animals, the panda population is not decreasing. We were asked many interesting questions and were well served by efficient interpreters. We found the experience very worthwhile and were pleasantly surprised to realise that there is a degree of awareness and sense of responsibility for wildlife and environmental challenges. The program will be aired in China in October when A Lion Called Christian is published.

We had time to visit the Forbidden City which we found was overwhelmingly beautiful and of course we admired the two stylised bronze lions which flank the entrance to the Emperor's pavilion. The number of lion statues in Beijing reminded us of the awe with which Chinese people hold lions (the lion dance features in many Chinese celebrations) and perhaps explained the interest in Christian's story. We also visited The Great Wall of China on misty mountain ranges and a landscape familiar from Chinese paintings.

- John Rendall and Ace Bourke

An update on the release of the three Black Rhino into Tanzania 16-Jun-2009

Ace Bourke and John Rendall are both passionate supporters of the George Adamson Wildlife Preservation Trust and their work as George played such an instrumental role in the release of Christian.

On Friday 29 May 2009 the George Adamson Wildlife Preservation Trust (GAWPT) took delivery of three rhinos, which were donated by the Dvur Kralove Zoo in the Czech Republic to the Tanzania National Parks (Tanapa), and released into the Rhino Sanctuary within Mkomazi National Park.

Constructed and stocked in 1997, The Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary is an enclosed, heavily guarded area of approximately 45 square kilometres, and could ultimately hold up to 20 rhinos. There is plenty of vegetation, and if the population increases, there is room for expansion. The Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary, although within the park, is managed by the Wildlife Preservation Trust Fund (WPTF) under its field director, Mr Tony Fitzjohn.

To read a personal account which was received by John Rendall of the release of Jamie, Jabu and Deborah, the three Black Rhinos, click here.

Three Black Rhinos released in Tanzania 12-Jun-2009

On Friday 29 May 2009 three rhinos, which were donated by the Dvur Kralove Zoo in the Czech Republic to the Tanzania National Parks (Tanapa), were released at Mkomazi National Park.

The Rhinos - one male and two females - were donated to help increase the genetic base of the black rhino in Tanzania. The Tanapa director general, Mr Gerald Bigurube, said the three rhinos were the offspring of animals taken from Tanzania to Czech Republic for breeding several decades ago. Ideally, the plan is that the animals would settle in their new life at the Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary and adapt to natural conditions.

Constructed and stocked in 1997, The Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary, although within the park, is managed by the Wildlife Preservation Trust Fund (WPTF) under its field director, Mr Tony Fitzjohn.

He said the donation was made because the 3,245 square kilometre Mkomazi National Park was originally home to hundreds of the endangered rhinos before they were wiped out by the poachers. "It is imperative to reach a viable population of at least 15 rhinos in order to ensure a proper breeding capacity" he told reporters.

To read the entire article able to release of these rhinos visit The Citizen Newspaper.

John Rendall and Ace Bourke's appearance on Oprah to air in the UK 10-Jun-2009

John Rendall and Ace Bourke's interview with Oprah, which has been viewed by millions across America and Australia, will air in the UK on Friday 17 July and Sunday 19 July on Diva TV. In their interview, which was a rare and exciting opportunity, Ace and John talk with Oprah and the Friday Live panel about their experiences with Christian the Lion and his release in Africa. This interview is where Ace and John first shared the footage of their final farewell with Christian in 1972.

Information regarding their appearance can be found on Oprah's website.

A Lion Called Christian to re-air on Channel Seven 05-Jun-2009

Due to popular demand, A Lion Called Christian will be re-aired on Channel Seven in Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide on Saturday 6 June 2009 at 6:30pm. The special, which has already aired in the UK on Channel 5 and US on Animal Planet, showcases original documenary footage in addition to recent interviews with many of the key charecters from the book.

A date for the rest of Australia is yet to be scheduled.

Ace Bourke and John Rendall take A Lion Called Christian to China 26-May-2009

Ace Bourke and John Rendall are preparing to travel to Beijing to appear on CCTV's weekly program 'Us' which airs on Channel One. CCTV Channel One is China's main current affairs channel and a ratings leader. This opportunity has opened up a vast new audience to their story and a chinese edition of the book has been agreed to.

Whilst in China Ace and John will be updating their website so please check back regularly.

Ace Bourke and John Rendall's interview with Oprah to air in Australia 14-May-2009

Ace Bourke and John Rendall's interview with Oprah, which has been seen by millions of people and had America buzzing, will air in Australia tomorrow, Friday 15 May at 1:00pm on Network Ten. In their interview, which was a rare and exciting opportunity, Ace and John talk with Oprah and her Friday Live panel about their time with Christian and his release in Africa. They also share with Oprah the footage of their final farewell with Christian in 1972. Information regarding their appearance can be found on Oprah's website.
Ace and John found the interview "exhilarating and incredibly humbling. The live panel programme made it more spontaneous and unpredictable, but great fun."

An update from John Rendall and Ace Bourke 04-May-2009

We have now launched 'A Lion Called Christian' and the Young Reader's version, 'Christian The Lion', in Australia. Again, our story has had a positive reception and we enjoyed our appearances on Today Tonight, Mornings with Kerri Anne and Sunrise. We have also done some interesting print and radio interviews including The Conversation Hour with Richard Fidler.

The launch party at Taronga Zoo was generously hosted by Guy Cooper, Director of Taronga, and the Taronga Foundation with Richard Morecroft chairing the Q&A. Amongst the guests on the night were Maggie Tabberer, 'Bondi Vet' Dr Chris Brown, Lady Sonia McMahon and Jenny Kee.

A second launch event was hosted by Zabriskie Books of Bondi who were inaugurating their Book Club evenings at Ravesis.

What was particularly special at these events were the number of friends who has met Christian in London; Mandy Wright and Toni Francis who had typed the original manuscript in 1970, Robbie Henderson, Candy Rankin, Di Jagleman and Chris Hazel.

We are both excited that our television special which has been aired in both the US and UK will be screened in Australia on Tuesday 5th May on the Seven Network.

The interest in Christian just astounds us and we are grateful that it gives us the opportunity to talk about the George Adamson Wildlife Preservation Trust which continues George's work in Tanzania and Kenya as well as the crisis in wildlife conservation in general.

- Ace Bourke and John Rendall

Christian The Lion TV Special on Channel 7 01-May-2009

The Christian The Lion TV Special which has already aired on Channel 5 in the UK and Animal Planet in the US will feature on the Seven Network in Australia on Tuesday 5 May 2009 at 7:30pm. The program features original documentary footage and recent interviews with many of the key characters from the the book.

A Lion Called Christian is launched in Australia 31-Apr-2009

After a whirlwind tour across America and the UK, Ace and John have returned to share their famous story with Australia. The Taronga Foundation hosted a celebratory launch event on Tuesday 21 April where Ace and John shared stories with Richard Morecroft about early life with Christian and their recent appearances with Oprah and Whoopi Goldberg.

As of today, A Lion Called Christian has reached the following milestones:

#2 on the New York Times Best Sellers List

#1 on The Times Best Sellers List in the UK

#2 Best Seller in New Zealand

And most recently #1 Best Seller in Australia!

An update from John Rendall and Ace Bourke 05-Apr-2009

We have just completed the UK publicity tour for A Lion Called Christian. The UK has been John's home base for many years and Ace has occasionally visited over the years. Our friends were delighted to welcome us and help make the book a great success. We have just been told that A Lion Called Christian is number 2 on the Times bestseller list!

We were kept busy with television appearances including This Morning and Richard & Judy. In addition to this we did over 20 radio interviews across the UK, including some at BBC House where Christian was once 'interviewed' (he failed to roar!). A highlight was our interview with Libby Purves on her prestigious BBC Radio 4 Midweek programme on which we were joined by Stanley Johnson, father of Boris Johnson the Lord Mayor of London.

It was fantastic to see the many friends and people who knew Christian attend the official UK book launch held at the end of our tour.

Both the UK and the US tours have been fantastic and we are both so thrilled to share the story of Christian around the world.

- John Rendall & Ace Bourke

A Lion Called Christian is a global success 03-Apr-2009

Ace Bourke and John Rendall's book "A Lion Call Christian" has become an instant success in the UK and the USA. The book is currently ranked number 2 on the New York Times Bestseller List and has also achieved high rankings on these US bestseller lists:

- #2 on the New York Times

- #2 on San Francisco Chronicle

- #3 on Publishers Weekly

- #3 on Washington Post

- #7 on Wall Street Journal

- #27 on USA Today

In addition the book is ranked #2 on the Sunday Times Bestseller List in the UK.

Following their successful tours in the US and the UK Ace and John eagerly anticipate the Australian release of the book. The official launch will be on Tuesday 21 April at an exclusive event hosted by The Taronga Foundation.

Ace Bourke and John Rendall on The View 23-Mar-2009

Ace Bourke and John Rendall's recent interview on The View will air in Australia on the Nine Network today, 23 March, at 1:00pm AEST as part of their book publicity tour for A Lion Called Christian.

An Update from Ace Bourke and John Rendall in America 17-Mar-2009

We are in America and our first television appearance was on the Oprah Winfrey Show in Chicago. It was her Friday live panel programme which made it more spontaneous and unpredictable, but great fun.

She loves Christian's story and said she had cried when she first saw the YouTube clip last summer and when it was shown this time some of the audience and one of the panel members, Ali Wentworth, had a good cry.

The scoop we had kept for Oprah was the never before seen 16mm footage of what turned out to be our final reunion with Christian in 1972.

We are now in New York and have a busy week with appearances which include the Today Show, Dateline NBC, Entertainment Tonight, and The View with Whoopi Goldberg and Barbara Walters.

Our book is prominently displayed in all the major shops like Barnes & Noble and Borders, sometimes with "As seen on Oprah".

- Ace Bourke & John Rendall.

Ace Bourke and John Rendall at the American Museum of Natural History16-Mar-2009

On Thursday 19 March at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, Ace Bourke and John Rendall will talk about their journey with Christian the Lion as part of their US publicity tour for A Lion Called Christian. The lecture starts at 6.30pm and tickets can be purchased online.

Ace Bourke and John Rendall to appear live on the Today Show, NBC 16-Mar-2009

Ace Bourke and John Rendall will make a live appearance on the Today Show on Tuesday 17 March as part of their US publicity tour.

Ace Bourke and John Rendall on the Oprah Winfrey Show 13-Mar-2009

Read more about Ace Bourke and John Rendall's appearance on Oprah here.

Ace Bourke and John Rendall to appear on the Oprah Winfrey Show 13-Mar-2009

Ace Bourke and John Rendall will commence their US publicity tour with an appearance on Oprah today, filmed live in Chicago. This is both an exciting and incredibly humbling opportunity to be interviewed by Oprah Winfrey and to talk about how Christian has captured the hearts of so many around the world. You can preview the show here.

Ace and John will share their stories on this news page on a regular basis.

Ace Bourke and John Rendall get set to take A Lion Called Christian around the world06-Mar-2009

Ace Bourke and John Rendall are preparing to leave on a book publicity tour for the launch of the revised book A Lion Called Christian. The two will be travelling across America and the UK in the coming weeks to promote the book based around the lion cub they purchased from Harrods and released, with the help of George Adamson, back into the wilds of Africa. The updated book details their reunion with Christian in 1971, as seen in the widely popular YouTube clip.

A Lion Called Christian by Ace Bourke and John Rendall eBook is released15-Oct-2008

To coincide with the Frankfurt Book Fair, the 1971 title A Lion Called Christian has been released as an eBook. This is a first for Random House. Ace and John are currently both in Sydney preparing the hardback edition for publication in 2009.

Transworld (Random House) have created A Lion Called Christian for the title.