Lion and Club

Conservation - Activity 2 - Lion Attack

Lions are beautiful and impressive creatures. When David had only been in Africa a short time, his arm was badly broken by a lion’s bite. This became a famous story from his travels, because it is so dramatic and gruesome.

Have you ever thought about how that lion felt? Did you know that the same lion bit two other men after biting Livingstone? And did you know what happened to the lion afterwards?

Read this account of David’s encounter with the lion and have a go at putting yourself in the lion’s paws.


We are very grateful to our key funders the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Government for their support in helping us deliver the Birthplace Project.

National Lottery Heritage Fund
Scottish Government
Historic Environment Scotland
Note: Please note that David Livingstone Birthplace (and the David Livingstone Trust) is no longer part of National Trust Scotland (NTS). NTS members will therefore no longer receive discounted/free entry to the Birthplace Museum.

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