Born Free (book)

Born Free is a non-fiction book by Joy Adamson, published in 1960. It chronicles Adamson's experience raising Elsa, a lioness, from a cub to adulthood, and ultimately releasing her back into the wild in Kenya.

The book details the unique bond that developed between the Adamsons and Elsa, and the challenges they faced in preparing her for a life outside of captivity. It covers their methods of teaching her to hunt, survive, and interact with other lions. A significant portion of the narrative focuses on Adamson's deep respect and affection for Elsa, as well as her commitment to giving Elsa the freedom she deserved.

Born Free became an international bestseller, translated into numerous languages and adapted into a successful film in 1966. The book and its subsequent adaptations played a significant role in raising awareness about wildlife conservation and the importance of preserving natural habitats. The book emphasizes the possibility of co-existence between humans and wildlife, and highlights the emotional and intellectual capabilities of animals. Following the success of Born Free, Adamson wrote two sequels, Living Free and Forever Free, which continued the story of Elsa and her cubs.