News of his work is spreading due to growing media coverage and the 2017 History Channel documentary about him, Lion Heart.

Huang Hongxiang, wildlife conservationist against the ivory trade, says: "I think Simba (Zhuo) inspired a lot of people, including myself."

Zhuo's efforts motivated Huang to establish China House, a company that aims to boost communication between China and Africa.

In 2015, Zhuo was the first Chinese to become a member of the Maasai tribe for his contribution to local welfare and "peacemaking" between humans and lions.

"There is in fact a lot in common between human beings and lions," he says. "Just like lions, the tribe members are brave, loving and kind, and like humans, lions are social animals."

A pride of lions rules a piece of land before they grow old and a new generation takes over. Likewise, a new generation of wildlife conservationists has emerged.