The Old Princewaleans Association (OPWA) Class of 2003 has formally requested police clearance to feature a live lion during the Prince of Wales School’s Centenary Anniversary March Past Ceremony scheduled for April 6, 2025.
In a letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police, the association detailed its plans to procure a live lion (Panthera leo melanochaita) from the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya as part of the celebrations.
The school, known for its emblematic lion symbol, intends to showcase the animal in a procession from Kissy Road to Kingtom in Freetown, signifying the institution’s legacy and its reputation as the ‘King of Academic Jungle.’
To ensure safety, OPWA stated that four professional lion tamers from the Masai Mara National Reserve would accompany the lion throughout the march past ceremony, scheduled between 12 PM and 6 PM. All necessary logistical arrangements, including transportation and facilitation, have been made to bring the lion to Sierra Leone by April 3, 2025.
The letter emphasized compliance with public safety regulations, referencing adherence to the Public Order Act of 1965 and the Road Traffic Regulations of 2007. The alumni association assured the authorities that necessary precautions would be in place to prevent any risk to the general public.
While awaiting the police’s response, the request has sparked mixed reactions among the public, with some praising the ambitious plan as a fitting tribute to the school’s heritage, while others raise concerns over safety and ethical considerations regarding the transportation and display of a wild animal in an urban setting.
As preparations for the centenary celebrations gain momentum, the decision by law enforcement authorities on whether to grant clearance for this unprecedented spectacle remains highly anticipated.
