TV series
The adventures of two married game wardens in Kenya. George Adamson and Diana Muldaur live with their adopted lioness Elsa the Lioness, where they protect the animals in the surrounding area from all sorts of danger, both natural and human.
Availability
Born Free premiered September 9, 1974. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
The adventures of two married game wardens in Kenya. George Adamson and Diana Muldaur live with their adopted lioness Elsa the Lioness, where they protect the animals in the surrounding area from all sorts of danger, both natural and human.
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Episode 1
George and Joy Adamson work in Kenya to help local wardens protect the wildlife. When the poaching activities increase, George suspects a longtime friend of aiding the criminal enterprise.
Directed by Gary NelsonWritten by Hesper Anderson, Richard FielderGuest stars Hal Frederick, Joseph De Craft, Peter Lukoye, Ricky Gitahi, Erastus Kague, F. Kimotho, Abdulla Sunado, Peter Lawford
Episode 2
Local villagers lodge a complaint about Elsa. The Adamsons are asked by government officials to relocate Elsa to prevent further trouble.
Directed by Gary NelsonWritten by Sy SalkowitzGuest stars Joseph De Craft, Peter Lukoye, Nelson Kajuna, James Vickery, Robert Kaman, Bartholomew Sketch, Hari Rhodes, Janet Young
Episode 3
Free-spirited Terri Hill has to survive in the bush after crashing her light aircraft.
Directed by Jack CoufferWritten by Don IngallsGuest stars Hal Frederick, Peter Lukoye, Susan Dey, Barry Gaymer
Episode 4
Ex-hunter Archie Gordon plans to make amends for his past by tackling some modern-day ivory poachers.
Directed by Leonard HornWritten by Sy Salkowitz, Nina Laemmle, Nina LaemmleGuest stars Hal Frederick, Joseph De Craft, Peter Lukoye, Dick Aqudah, Dan O'Herlihy, Alex Okdth, Charles Hayes, William Dnyanca
Episode 5
A friend of the Adamsons allows his granddaughter to stay with them for a while. Will bush country make an impression on young Regan?
Directed by Leonard HornWritten by Hesper AndersonGuest stars Hal Frederick, Joseph De Craft, Peter Lukoye, Dawn Lyn, John De Villiers
Episode 6
A Masai warrior decides to prove his manhood by hunting a large lion. However, a big game hunter has the same idea.
Directed by Richard Benedict, Leonard HornWritten by Richard Fielder, Nina LaemmleGuest stars Glenn Corbett, James Falkland, Cy Grant, Ewart James Walters, David Mulwa
Episode 7
Dr. Claire Hanley sets out on her first village tour with the East African Flying Doctor Service. She will need to learn to be adaptable to both local customs and demanding field conditions. Joy is on hand to offer advice. Elsa is in a rather mischievous mood.
Directed by Paul KrasnyWritten by Hesper Anderson, Nina LaemmleGuest stars Hal Frederick, Joseph De Craft, Peter Lukoye, Nelson Kajuna, Mike Bugara, Juliet Mills, Freddy Achiang, Tommy Eytle
Episode 8
After several years of absence, a tribe of Masai nomads is back. Some time after, veterinarian Paul Morgan finds that their cattle has been contaminated by rinderpest. He accordingly asks the Masais the right to examine the animals but, despite the Adamsons' intervention, Olotuno, the tribe's chief, formally opposes the idea.
Directed by Barry CraneWritten by Richard FielderGuest stars Hal Frederick, Joseph De Craft, Peter Lukoye, Johnny Angaya, Alex Cord, Louis Mahoney
Episode 9
Two killer lions have claimed several lives. George begins a coordinated search using both villagers and game wardens. These particular lions are unusually cunning however.
Directed by Paul KrasnyWritten by Sy Salkowitz, Nina Laemmle, Carl ForemanGuest stars James Vickery, Thomas Baptiste, Gordon Heath
Episode 10
Regan clings to Joy when her estranged mother unexpectedly turns up. Elsa becomes a temporary surrogate to some lion cubs.
Directed by Russ MayberryWritten by Richard Fielder, Nina Laemmle, Nina Laemmle, Carl ForemanGuest stars Dawn Lyn, John De Villiers, Mary Ann Mobley, Kevin Cox
Episode 11
Rob Mallory is shocked when the government adds his land to a requisition list. Fearing for the farm he had planned to leave to granddaughter Regan, he agrees a contract with a zoo trapper to raise funds.
Directed by Barry CraneWritten by Hesper AndersonGuest stars Dawn Lyn, John De Villiers, George Sewell, Deji Young
Episode 12
Constant cross border raids in the north of the territory risk spreading disease among the villagers' cattle. Young Jama becomes an orphan when his father is killed during a skirmish but shows courage as events unfold.
Directed by Russ MayberryWritten by Dale EunsonGuest stars Dane Clark, Francis Njugana
Episode 13
The Adamsons hunt a killer leopard while tribesmen are being encouraged by an anthropologist to return to their old illegal ways.
Directed by Gary NelsonWritten by David T. ChantlerGuest stars Hal Frederick, Joseph De Craft, Nelson Kajuna, Mike Bugara, Dick Aqudah, Barbara Parkins, Dan Jackson, Philip Chege
Episode information updated Sep 21, 2026
Available now in United States
These shows are available now and closely match Born Free.
Gary CollinsGeorge Adamson
Diana MuldaurJoy Adamson
Hal FrederickMakedde
Dawn LynRegan Mallory
NBCUnited States
Columbia Pictures TelevisionUnited States
