Close to the lions

News of his work is spreading due to growing media coverage and the 2017 History Channel documentary about him, Lion Heart.

Huang Hongxiang, wildlife conservationist against the ivory trade, says: "I think Simba (Zhuo) inspired a lot of people, including myself."

Zhuo's efforts motivated Huang to establish China House, a company that aims to boost communication between China and Africa.

In 2015, Zhuo was the first Chinese to become a member of the Maasai tribe for his contribution to local welfare and "peacemaking" between humans and lions.

"There is in fact a lot in common between human beings and lions," he says. "Just like lions, the tribe members are brave, loving and kind, and like humans, lions are social animals."

A pride of lions rules a piece of land before they grow old and a new generation takes over. Likewise, a new generation of wildlife conservationists has emerged.