Kijani_lion

About me: I'm 23 years old and live near Seattle, WA, and work as a sports writer for a local community paper and deal cards in a casino part time. I feel a deep connection to African lions as animals and have been in the anthropomorphic (furry) fandom since April of 2008. I always look forward to meeting or hearing from other fans of The Lion King and/or lion furs.

My collections: THE STORY: Unlike many lion king fans/collectors, it all started for me in early 2004 when I had to write an essay for a college English class where I had to look for ideologies in Disney films. One of the films I watched was TLK and when I saw it again at that point in my life, the movie really connected with something deep within my soul. Having not seen the film since I was eight years old once in the theatre (and thinking nothing of it at the time) I realized how powerful and moving the story was and that I related to the character of Simba very strongly. And the music, the art, everything was just so overwhelmingly beautiful I became obsessed! Soon everything around me had to be TLK-related and it was then I began what is now unofficially the largest TLK collection in the United States at nearly 900 items.

THE COLLECTION: For a period of about two-and-a-half years I became mildly addicted to purchasing items on eBay, which is where about 90% of my collection has come from. Pretty much anything and everything within the limits of my bank account was fair game. I also became completely enthralled with The Lion King on Broadway stage musical since seeing it for the first time in late 2004 and am proud to say that about 160 of my TLK items are from the award-winning show.

I have curtailed my collecting obsession in the past year or so but still search regularly on eBay and thrift stores for Lion King merchandise that I do not have, which I must say is getting harder to find!

Some of the rarer items I own include: A Lion King cologne bottle imported from Spain (never sold in the United States and very briefly in Europe), a TLK bowling ball in 15lb weight special-ordered directly from Brunswick Bowling Corp., and multiple items hand-signed by cast members of the movie and musical.

Thank you for reading my profile and I hope you enjoy my award-winning collection!

My interests: Besides collecting, I enjoy bowling, gaming on the PS3, anything related to African Lions, wildlife photography and game shows. Most of all, I enjoy performing out at public events as a cartoon lion come to life, bringing smiles and cheer to everyone in attendance.