London ; Christian , a seven and a half months old pet lion cub , is carried by its joint - owner , Anthony Bourke , to a preview of " Safari Shores " , being shown to top travel agents in London today . Christian , who weighs 100 pounds , was a guest of honour at the film ' s preview , which is about East Africa . The film is due to be released at the Odeon , Leicester Square for a six week run . Christian ' s other owner is Mr John Rendall . Both Mr Bourke and Mr Rendall live in World ' s End , Chelsea , London and both are Australians . 9 April 1970