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.

Alexa Cinton marches up Fifth Avenue in the Puerto Rican Day Parade on June 12, 2011 in New York City. The Puerto Rican Day Parade draws hundreds of thousands and was first celebrated in New York City in 1958. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

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)

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)

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

American actress and singer Zendaya attends the Fendi Couture Fall Winter 2019/2020 Dinner on July 04, 2019 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Jacopo Raule/Getty Images for Fendi)