Clarence, the Cross-Eyed Lion

Ivan Tors first discovered Clarence at "Africa, U.S.A.", an affection training compound located in Soledad Canyon near Los Angeles. Born cross-eyed, Clarence's strange physical condition inspired Ivan Tors to create the MGM feature film "Clarence the Cross-Eyed Lion" and the spin-off series Daktari (1966). When the audience saw what Clarence saw, it was in double vision. Reportedly, Clarence was very good with children. Another not so friendly lion named Leo doubled for Clarence in some scenes. He was used only for the snarling scenes and general scenes which didn't involve close proximity with humans. Leo had come to "Africa, U.S.A." from a family in Utah. His ferocity was due in part to the mistreatment he received from former owners who reportedly beat him with a stick

The elephant at the start of the film is NOT an African Elephant (which has larger ears), but an Asian Elephant (which has smaller ears). As the story revolves around scientists studying the fauna of Africa, IN Africa, the producers of the film should have used an African Elephant, NOT an Asian Elephant. But Asian Elephants can be trained, which is why they are used in circuses and movies/TV.

Followed by Daktari (1966)