Into the Lions’ Den – Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?

On Tuesday 29 July, Rebel Penfold-Russell had a few guests over for dinner in her den - well actually the Lions’ Den at Taronga Zoo.

Rebel who is passionate about animals and a great supporter of the Taronga Foundation, held the dinner in honour of old friends visiting from London, John Rendall and Ace Bourke. John and Ace who were famous in London’s swinging sixties for purchasing a lion called Christian from Harrods. Christian’s story and his subsequent release into the wild in Africa was told in a book called “A Lion called Christian” written by John and Ace about their adventures with their much-loved lion in London and then in Africa.

Among those joining the party was Guy and Jeanette Cooper, Ian Lowe, Nicho Rendall, Skye Leckie, Fiona Spence, Vicki Jones, Jonathon and Louise Sceats, Mandy Foley Quin, Constance Farquarson and Sheridan Jobbins.

Dr Rebecca Spindler, Manager of Research and Wildlife Conservation Programs at Taronga, was on hand to talk the group during the evening about the broad-ranging work of Taronga Conservation Society Australia, including its support for field conservation projects working with big cats in the wild.

Supporters like Rebel are able to enjoy opportunities to find out what happens behind-the-scenes at the Zoo, whether it’s meeting the keepers or checking out how the animals live when the gates close at sunset. The Taronga Foundation relies on the generosity of its supporters to achieve its vision of creating a better world for animals and our children.

For information about the Taronga Foundation, visit www.tarongafoundation.org.au