The CBBC star that rescued FIVE lions from a warzone: an interview with One Zoo Three's Cam Whitnall

Cam Whitnall was once dubbed the World's Youngest Zookeeper.

When his grandparents bought a dilapidated zoo, once known as the worst in the UK, and brought it back to life, they also created a home for their family.

Cam grew up on the grounds, now known as Hertfordshire Zoo, in a bedroom overlooking the tiger enclosure. His childhood playground, where he and his brothers would play hide-and-seek after hours, was filled with endangered species from around the world.

As Managing Director of The Big Cat Sanctuary and one of the stars of CBBC's One Zoo Three along with his brothers Aaron and Tyler, conservation has never just been a job - it's been his entire life.

But in 2024, that life took an extraordinary turn.

When five traumatised lions were discovered in war-torn Ukraine, Cam led an ambitious mission to bring them to safety in the UK, raising more than £500,000 and overseeing one of the most remarkable animal rescues in history.

In this episode, we discuss growing up with big cats in his back garden, the realities of conservation, whether animals can suffer trauma, life in front of the camera, and what it takes to attempt something that most people would consider impossible.

Cam also shares the story behind his new book, Lion Heart, and reflects on the lessons he's learned from a lifetime spent protecting some of nature's most magnificent creatures.

Follow Cam on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/camwhitnall

Buy Lion Heart: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lion-Heart-lifelong-incredible-rescue/dp/1529979501

Follow me on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/richleighpod

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Interviews that might just change your life.

And if not…? You’ll probably enjoy them anyway.

After my younger brother Jordan took his own life, I sold the PR agency I’d spent over a decade building and decided to go all-in on creating something meaningful.

This podcast is the result.

Project Possible is a podcast about success through adversity. About what's truly possible.

Expect famous faces and unsung heroes.

Hosted by me, Rich Leigh, each episode explores the lives, minds and experiences of extraordinary people from business, sport, entertainment, academia and beyond.

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