It is with great sadness I have to announce that my lifelong friend John Rendall

Passed away last week.

John was probably best known for his 1969 purchase of Christian the lion from Harrods, and then documenting Christian’s early days in Chelsea before placing the lion under the care of George Adamson in Kenya to be eventually released into the wild. Our latest book `Christian the Lion the Illustrated legacy` sets out this amazing adventure.

 John also needs to be remembered for his support of the George Adamson Wildlife Preservation Trust that enabled the resurrection of Mkomazi National Park in Tanzania, and of course for serving as a wonderful Patron of LionAid, and a Trustee of the George Adamson Wildlife Preservation Trust.

He was a dedicated conservationist with an enduring love of African wildlife and especially lions. The World of wildlife conservation is now that much poorer in his passing.   He had an indomitable spirit, always enthusiastic and constantly supportive.

John was a multidimensional person so rare these days. We hope that with his inspiration and courage in so many fields that he will have motivated all those around him with his empathy, love of life, and his wish to make the world a better place.

John and I have worked together tirelessly, campaigning for effective lion conservation and for sharing the joy of life with Christian through our talks and books.  I will continue this task through my Trusteeship with LionAid.

R.I.P.  JOHN.

`You are now with Christian`.                                       Derek Cattani.