In the 1970′s, actress and model Tippi Hedren (mother of actress Melanie Griffith) created the Shambala Preserve after producing the film Roar. The preserve rescued exotic big cats living in captivity that had been abused or were in need of help, one of which the family created a close bond with. Neil the lion lived with the family in their home, and played an active role in the day to day activities of the preserve.

A horse buggy is headed for the stables on a foggy night in New Orleans, Monday, December 18, 2017. (Photo by David Grunfeld/NOLA.com The Times-Picayune via AP Photo)

People take part in the in the 41st annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 02 March 2019. The 41st parade features almost 200 floats. (Photo by Steven Saphore/EPA/EFE)

A fan gestures next to a police officer while celebrating the life of British singer Keith Flint of techno group “The Prodigy” after his funeral in Braintree, Essex, Britain, March 29, 2019. (Photo by Henry Nicholls/Reuters)

Belle Hassan is seen attending Lipstick and Champagne – party at STK on August 29, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie Lorriman/The Sun)

Migrants, part of a caravan traveling en route to the United States, carry an anteater that was hit by a car, according to them, as they walk on the road that links Arriaga and Tapanatepec, near Arriaga, Mexico, November 5, 2018. (Photo by Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters)

Racegoers in fashionable hats attend Ladies Day at Cheltenham Festival on March 15, 2017 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by David Davies/PA Wire)

Steven Tyler of the musical group Aerosmith, perform at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, January 26, 2020, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Mario Anzuoni/Reuters)