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Writer's pictureIsrael Ajala

#Lion of #London , #Leo the #Lion

Updated: Dec 9





Leo the Lion

A majestic lion statue sits proudly on a pedestal, its powerful form carved from stone. The lion's muscular body and detailed mane are captured in lifelike detail, exuding strength and regal authority. Its head is turned slightly to the side, with sharp, piercing eyes that seem to gaze over the surrounding area. The statue is set against a backdrop of historic buildings, its stoic presence adding to the grandeur of the scene.


Leo the Lion


In the heart of London, where the streets hummed with the hustle and bustle of daily life, there stood a majestic statue of a lion in Trafalgar Square. This lion, carved from stone, gazed over the city with an air of regal authority, but few knew of the true story behind its creation—or the secret life of a “#Lion” named “#Leo”.


Leo was no ordinary Lion; he had once roamed the vast savannas of #Yankari ,#Game #Reserve Bauchi , #South central . Leo was Big and walked like majesty and had  a golden mane that shimmered in the sun and a heart full of adventure, he had been the king of his pride. However, one fateful day, Leo’s life took an unexpected turn when he was captured by poachers. Despite his strength and courage, he found himself trapped in a small cage, destined for a life far removed from the wild. Leo was sedated and moved on a cargo plane to Lagos enroute to London by another plane.


But fate had other plans. Just as he was being transported to a distant land, a fierce storm struck. The truck carrying Leo through “Sussex”  veered off course just as it approached west London at 1am  , the sight of the accident  was  chaos ,fortunately the driver escaped with a few bruises and was taken to hospital unfortunately  the truck was a write off, Leo managed to escape into the wild streets of London . Confused but determined, he wandered through the alleys, marvelling at the strange sights and sounds of the city.


At first, the people of London were terrified. A lion roaming the streets was no common sight! But as Leo padded through neighbourhoods, he began to win hearts. Children giggled and pointed, and even the adults couldn’t help but be captivated by the majestic creature. Soon, the news of the lion on the loose spread like wildfire.


Rather than running away in fear, a group of children led by a brave girl named Emma , tall , lilt , caramel brown , bright hazel eyes , wearing , a white jumper , pink jeans , mane of dark brown hair , tan , shoes ,  decided to follow Leo. They watched as he explored the city, his golden mane catching the light as he pranced through parks, napped in sunny spots, and even investigated the curious aroma of street food.


As the days turned into weeks, Leo became a beloved figure in London. He found a temporary home in the city’s parks, where he would rest and play. The people adored him, leaving food and toys for their new friend. Leo, in return, brought joy to everyone he met, becoming a symbol of hope and courage in a bustling metropolis.


One afternoon, as Leo lounged in the grass of Hyde Park, Emma approached him. She was holding a sketchbook, her face bright with excitement. “Leo, I want to draw you!” she exclaimed. The lion tilted his head, intrigued. With careful strokes, Emma captured his likeness, imbuing her drawing with the warmth and spirit she felt in his presence.


Days turned into months, and while Leo loved his new life, he missed the wild. He would often gaze toward the horizon, dreaming of the savanna under the African sun. The thought tugged at his heart, but he also cherished the connections he had made in London.


One chilly evening, news spread through the city that the local zoo was planning to capture Leo and bring him to their facility. The thought of being caged again filled the hearts of the children and the people with dread. Emma gathered her friends and decided they had to save him. “We can’t let them take him away!” she said passionately. “He belongs to the wild, not a cage!”

Leo’s well-wishers  organized a rally in Trafalgar Square, where Leo had often played. With posters and drawings, they called for Leo’s freedom, rallying people from all walks of life. “Let the Lion of London be free!” they shouted, their voices echoing against the historic buildings.


Bright sunny spells amongst a canvas of a faded blue skies ushered the break of  day as animal lover gathered in droves for  the rally ,  the square was filled with a sea of people as songs of cheer and melodies serenaded the air wave. Emma beamed with glee and laughter , wearing faded blue dungarees , orange top ,  black shoes , stood at the front, clutching her drawing of Leo. As she spoke about the importance of preserving the wild and respecting the spirit of animals, the crowd roared with support.


Just as the authorities arrived to capture Leo, a thunderous cheer erupted from the crowd. The sight of so many passionate people advocating for him touched the hearts of the officials. After a tense moment, they agreed to postpone the capture, allowing Leo to remain free in the city for the time being.

As the sun set over  the coppery sapphire sky of London, Leo watched from a distance, the gathering of people a warm glow against the evening sky. Emma’s voice rang out, promising that they would continue to fight for his freedom and for the wild. Inspired by their determination, Leo let out a mighty roar, echoing through the streets and resonating in the hearts of everyone present.

In the weeks that followed, Leo became more than just a lion; he became a symbol of freedom, hope, and the bond between humans and animals. The city embraced him, and he found a unique place in London’s heart—living freely, respected, and loved.


With each passing day, Leo roamed the parks, played with the children, and continued to inspire the city. The statue in Trafalgar Square, once just a lifeless figure of stone, now felt like a living tribute to the lion who had reminded everyone of the importance of compassion and respect for all creatures.

And so, the Lion of London continued to reign—not in a pride or a cage, but among the people, forever a part of the vibrant tapestry of the city he had come to call home.

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