Born Free Project
Exhibit Title:
Born Free Lions
Exhibition Locations:
Permanent Exhibition:
Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, Christchurch Rd, New Milton BH25 6QS, UK
Past Exhibitions:
- Sea Walls, Circular Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS9 1PG
- Millennium Green, Baylis Rd, London SE1 7AA (January – April 2022)
- Exhibition Park, Claremont Rd, Newcastle NE2 4PZ (April – October 2020)
Exhibition Dates:
- Permanent Installation: Ongoing at Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa
- Millennium Green, London: January – April 2022
- Exhibition Park, Newcastle: April – October 2020
About the Exhibition:
Born Free Lions is an extraordinary and monumental sculpture created as part of Gillie and Marc’s #LoveTheLast global conservation project. In partnership with the Born Free Foundation, this iconic artwork celebrates the true story of Elsa, the orphaned lion cub raised and reintroduced to the wild by George and Joy Adamson—a story made famous by the beloved film Born Free.
The sculpture features Elsa standing triumphantly atop a 1961 Land Rover, symbolizing the dedication and effort it took to secure her freedom. Surrounding her on the ground are 20 lion cubs, representing the hope for future generations of lions, made possible through love, conservation, and action. The piece also honors two couples: George and Joy Adamson, the real-life conservationists, and Bill and Virginia McKenna, the actors who brought their story to life on screen.
From its original displays at Millennium Green and Exhibition Park to its new permanent home at Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, the sculpture has moved hearts across the UK. It serves as a symbol of strength, hope, and the urgent need to protect lions and their habitats before it’s too late.
About the Project:
Born Free Lions sheds light on the tragic reality faced by lions, whose populations have plummeted by half in just 25 years. Lions are now restricted to small, shrinking pockets of land, driven from their habitats by human expansion, agriculture, and urbanization. Once rulers of the African savannah, these majestic creatures now face fierce competition for territory, food, and survival.
The sculpture celebrates the spirit of conservation through Elsa’s incredible journey. Found as an orphaned cub in Northern Kenya, Elsa was raised by George and Joy Adamson, who undertook the challenging task of teaching her to survive in the wild. Despite setbacks, injuries, and challenges, Elsa thrived and went on to have cubs of her own—a powerful symbol of hope.
The Born Free Lions project is part of the #LoveTheLast initiative, which uses art to inspire action. By engaging the public through interactive and thought-provoking sculptures, the project aims to raise awareness about the threats to lions—habitat loss, poaching, and trophy hunting—and the critical need for conservation efforts.
About the Animal:
Lions are among the most iconic animals on the planet, often called “Kings of the Jungle” and revered as symbols of strength and courage. Despite their prominence, lions are listed as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List, with many populations facing rapid decline.
Habitat loss remains the most significant threat to lions. As humans encroach further into their territories for agriculture and development, lions are pushed into smaller areas with limited resources. Young lions seeking new prides struggle to find safe spaces, increasing conflict between humans and lions. Additionally, lions are targeted by trophy hunters and poachers for bones, which are falsely believed to have magical properties.
Without immediate intervention, the future of lions is at risk. Born Free Lions serves as a powerful reminder that we are their greatest threat—but also their greatest hope. By protecting lions, we preserve not only an essential part of Africa’s ecosystem but also a powerful symbol of courage, strength, and pride.
About the Location:
The lion has long been a symbol of England, reflecting strength, courage, and pride. Its association with British identity dates back to the 11th century, when Barbary lions were kept in the Tower of London’s menagerie. The iconic image of the lion also became synonymous with medieval soldiers, including Richard I, known as Richard the Lionheart.
From sporting teams to national emblems, lions are everywhere in British culture. This deep connection makes the UK—and London in particular—the perfect home for Born Free Lions. The sculpture’s presence serves as a powerful and constant reminder of the importance of conservation, encouraging the public to take pride in saving this magnificent species.
Partners:
Born Free Foundation:
The Born Free Foundation is a UK-based charity dedicated to ensuring that wild animals are treated with compassion and respect. Born out of the tragic story of Pole Pole, an elephant who suffered in captivity, the foundation fights to protect wildlife from exploitation, preserve natural habitats, and promote coexistence between humans and animals.
Through their critical work, Born Free addresses issues such as poaching, trophy hunting, and habitat destruction while striving for a future where all animals can live free from harm.
Learn more and donate: Born Free Foundation
How to Help:
- Take a photo with the sculpture and share it using the hashtag #LoveTheLast to spread awareness about lion conservation.
- Donate directly to the Born Free Foundation: Donate Here
- Support conservation through art: Purchase lion-related artworks, with 30% of proceeds going to the Born Free Foundation. Shop Art Here
