The Christian Science Monitor wrote "NO one better knew the language and lives of lions  -  or loved them more - than George Adamson."

In 1938 at age 32 this tan and handsome young man with sandy blond hair and striking blue eyes joined Kenya's Game Department as a warden. Being a game warden was an occupation that suited him extremely well and one at which he thrived. He met and married Joy four years later. Joy had three miscarriages and they were never able to have children.

In February of 1956 the Adamsons acquired three lion cubs. Sadly two of the cubs, Lustica and the Big One went to a zoo but George and Joy kept the smallest cub which they had named Elsa.  Elsa the lioness was intelligent and trusting. She would not only change George and Joy's lives but through subsequent books, movies and films, Elsa promoted an enormous interest in conservation with the general public. When Elsa was about three, the Adamsons decided to teach her to hunt and introduce her back into the wild. This type project had never before been attempted. Elsa was encouraged to develop her instincts to hunt and hard as it was for Elsa to survive in the wild, Elsa succeeded and remarkably continued her bond of trust and affection with the Adamsons. She remained their beloved friend until her unfortunate death from what was believed to be a tick disease. She died with her head in George's lap, bringing much grief to a gentle man who would suffer many more painful losses. After George buried her, George and his scouts fired 20 volleys of shots over her grave in the hopes that her mate may have heard them and paused. Elsa is buried in Meru National Park near the river and to this day many visitors to Meru still go to visit her grave and pay their respect. (See the 'Elsa Tribute' page for photos.)

In April 1961 George retired from his position as Senior Game Warden of the Northern Frontier Province of Kenya(Meru National Park area), to devote himself to working with lions. Joy Adamson's book "BORN FREE" about their experiences with Elsa,  rapidly became a best seller in many languages. Much of the book was written using George's extensive notes. The best-selling book was made into a movie which was to become an award winning classic. Born Free starred Bill Travers and his wife Virginia McKenna who became close friends with George Adamson. The movie Born Free won two Academy Awards and was nominated for a third. It also was nominated for 3 Golden Globe Awards. The movie is available for purchase on DVD. (NOTE: The vast majority of the proceeds from the book Born Free and subsequent books was generously donated by the Adamsons to help wildlife.)

How did George view animals?.... A close acquaintance of his wrote, "Most of us look at an animal, prejudiced by our ignorance of it and convinced that because it lacks a language like ours, and therefore a culture, it is our inferior. Most of us are only concerned for its survival if its whole species is endangered. George on the other hand, with the clearer eyes of experience recognized an animal's capacities(including trust and affection) for that which they actually were, and regarded it as an equal. He wanted save each one, as an individual, from unnecessary captivity, suffering or death. This was the foundation of his moral concern for the animals. He knew that they constituted no threat to the human race." Of course the human race constitues a serious threat to all animals and even our planet earth.

The Christian Science Monitior wrote, "NO one better knew the language and lives of lions - or loved them more - than George Adamson.....Few scientists took him seriously. But friends say many scientists would have been humbled by sitting at the table of a man who sensed nature as a living whole, rather than only a subject to study."  Further comment on the subject of scientific contributions by the Adamsons, came from George Schaler, himself a scientist. In an introduction to the 1987 edition of Born Free Schaler wrote, "The Adamsons gave us truths about the species that cannot be found in a biologist's notebook.... Their efforts at reintroduction and rehabilitation taught the scientific community invaluable lessons and the conservation community will forever be indebted to them..."  Elsa and the other Adamson lions had shown the world that if given love and respect, a lion is capable of a far wider range of behavior than had previously been believed. She and the other lions were NOT programmed eating 'machines' with only conditioned reflexes but instead an 'individual' capable of a continuing trust, affection and lasting friendship with humans. The LOVE combined with respect that George had shown these animals had brought out qualities that most persons would have said did not exit. But George and his lions proved that these admirable qualities do exist and that lions have feelings and are individuals.

George Adamson continued his work with Lions and helped many to have a free life. He always remained their trustworthy friend. He was "Baba ya Simba" (Father of Lions). George showed us what man could do with Love even when dealing with what some would call, ferocious wild animals. George lived and interacted with his lions friends who were living their life in the wild. Some persons worried for the safely of George and Joy living with animals that could pose a danger. But what killed both George and Joy is the most ruthless and dangerous predator of any in existence, humans.

Sadly on August 20, 1989 George Adamson was murdered in Kenya, East Africa by Somalian bandits when he went to the rescue of his assistant and a young European tourist in the Kora National Park. He is buried in the Kora National Park near to his brother Terrance, Super Cub and his beloved lion friend Boy. (Photos of his final resting place are included on this website.)

There will never be another person like George Adamson. His was a rugged life style, in a bush camp with only a few modern conveniences. He lived in harmony with nature and he shared a truly beautiful and almost unbelievable friendship with his beloved lion friends.  He was truly a unique and wonderful gentleman who devoted his life to helping wildlife and to protecting the unique environment in which they lived.

He was a Hero to the end .... giving his life to save another!

LEARN MORE ABOUT GEORGE:

George Adamson can be seen in an AMAZING one hour documentary film titled THE LIONS ARE FREE and also in the two hour movie CHRISTIAN THE LION.
BOTH are fascinating and should Not be missed!
See the DVD and Books page on this website.

Read both of George's books, A LIFETIME WITH LIONS(US title)
BWANA GAME(UK title)  and  his book,  MY PRIDE AND JOY.
(See DVD & BOOKS page on this website.)

Harry (George's Dad)

Katherine (George's Mom)

The Christian Science Monitor wrote,
NO one better knew the language and lives of lions  -  or loved them more - than George Adamson.
....Few scientists took him seriously. But friends say many scientists would have been humbled by sitting at the table of a man who sensed nature as a living whole, rather than only a subject to study.