ROBSON GREEN ESCORTS LION TO NAIROBI

FOR BORN FREE'S ‘PRIDE OF
KENYA’ ART EXHIBITION

Coastweek 

At London Heathrow Airport's Terminal 4, passengers waiting to check-in for the overnight Kenya Airways flight to Nairobi, were treated to an exciting distraction as television actor, Robson Green, checked in alongside a magnificent, life-size Born Free lion sculpture, hand painted and signed by world-renowned wildlife artist, David

Shepherd CBE Robson, flying out to Nairobi to film a new TV series, was on fine form as he posed for photographs with the lion sculpture, laughing with fellow travellers and Kenya Airways check-in staff and joking; "This is the most unusual and uncommunicative passenger I've ever travelled long-haul with!"

The life-size fibreglass lion sculpture is being flown to Kenya where it will prowl the East African capital City's streets and malls along with 49 other lions which have been sponsored by local and international companies and decorated by Kenyan artists.

The sculptures will turn the City wild from 2nd September 2009 , by providing a free, public art display and encouraging citizens and visitors to Nairobi to support the protection of Kenya 's magnificent wild lions!

To coincide with the Born Free Foundation's 25th Anniversary, Pride of Kenya will culminate in a spectacular dinner and auction on 6th November in Nairobi , attended by Born Free founder, Virginia McKenna OBE and Born Free CEO, Will Travers, where all 50 lions will be auctioned to the highest bidder.

Funds raised will then be dedicated to lion conservation in Kenya and the Foundation's work.

Robson said, "I admire the work of the Born Free Foundation and I reckon this lion will fetch top-dollar.

“It is a really impressive piece – what a way to bring art and conservation together for a great cause".

The unique lion sculpture is sponsored by Kenya Airways and is made up of a collage of images from Born Free's history including the classic wildlife film, Born Free, as well as photos from the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, press cuttings and pictures that tell the story of real-life lions rescued by Born Free and the airline from appalling captive situations.

Uniquely, world-famous wildlife artist, David Shepherd, has painted a striking wild lion portrait on the right-hand side of the sculpture's mane, ensuring that this lion instantly becomes a highly valued 'collectable'.

Speaking from his organisation's headquarters, the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, he said, "It is a privilege for me to be associated with this impressive sculpture and Pride of Kenya.

“I am a passionate conservationist and, through my art, I have been able to champion the plight of endangered wild animals and raise significant funds and awareness to protect and conserve them in the wild".

Lions and the Born Free Foundation are inextricably linked and no one appreciates this more than the Charity's founder, Virginia McKenna OBE.

The star of the 1960's classic film Born Free, the poignant story of George and Joy Adamson and their efforts to return Elsa the lioness back to the wild, said, "I could never have imagined when I was filming Born Free that, 40 years later, wild lions in Africa would be facing such a precarious future.

The lion is recognised worldwide as the symbol of all that is wild and free.

“Their majesty and strength is the very essence of what we admire and treasure, and yet these beautiful creatures are persecuted, poached and, in some countries, shot for 'sport'.

“We have to act now to protect them".

CEO Will Travers echoed Virginia 's concerns and said, "In the last 30 years, Africa has lost 70% of its lions and today as few as 25,000 remain.

“The Kenya Wildlife Service has just released figures for its national lion population and, with 2,000 or more individuals, Kenya still remains an important stronghold."

Travers explained, "However, we cannot be complacent.

“Lion habitat and their natural wild prey have been depleted and it is our intention to work closely with the Kenya Wildlife Service which is committed to ensuring that Kenya remains the land of the lion for generations to come."

It is hoped that the same success will be repeated with Pride of Kenya in Nairobi .

In Born Free Foundation's 25th anniversary year, Pride of Kenya is a fitting and effective celebration which will make a real difference to the future of lions in Kenya and possibly through Africa .

Passengers travelling from Heathrow last night also joined in the fun with one passenger saying, 'Robson is one of my favourite TV actors and to see him here with this amazing lion sculpture means that my holiday to see wildlife in Kenya could not have got off to a better start."

For all press enquiries, please contact born free's PR department:

Shirley Galligan, PR Director T: 0207 792 9668 M: 07773 848352

Angelique Davies, PR Officer T: 01403 327836 M: 07747 441447

Article at:  http://www.coastweek.com/3237-27.htm