69 year-old caretaker shares 11 years of friendship with Zion, the big cat

We sure do like all kinds of animals, don’t we? But the idea of being around a lion scares us. But that is not the case with Frikkie Von Solms, a lion caretaker in South Africa. Frikkie debunks the notion that all wild cats are actually wild, cold and ruthless killers for he has a great friend named Zion, an African lion for 11 years.

Zion, the big cat is calm and peaceful. He even hates the noise Frikkie’s shoes make whenever he takes Zion out for walks. 

Frikkie with Zion
Frikkie and Zion out on a walk!

Zion was separated from his mother because there were chances that his father will kill him. 

when zion was a cub
When Zion was a cute, little cub!

Frikkie loves Zion and treasures there friendship.

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.” 

Frikkie kissing Zion
Frikkie and Zion sharing hugs and kisses

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.

zion
Holding Zion’s tail is an act of affection! :’)

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Watch how the two bonded and how they share their lovely relationship. Needless to say, we must stop judging an animal by its bad reputation.