the lion story

Early in his career, Jim had an extraordinary role as a lion trainer. One of the lions, Zaki, was a young female African lion who, despite her 200-pound size, often behaved like a typical house cat. However, there was always the possibility of her acting on her natural instincts—something Jim has many stories about!

Zaki was one of three African lions Jim’s family raised from cubs. His father built the Born Free Motorcoach, and the lions became company mascots during a time when having exotic pets was legal for private citizens. Jim and his sister spent a year traveling across the country, showcasing Zaki at RV shows and Born Free dealers, making every day feel like a safari adventure.

For the animal lovers, rest assured that Zaki had a wonderful life. Jim took her out for daily runs and they even enjoyed “wrestling” together. It was an unforgettable experience and a unique chapter in Jim's life, showcasing his adventurous spirit and connection with animals. So, yes—Jim is a real-life lion trainer!