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.

People in costume as a Minecraft bee (left) and Crying Child from Fright Night at Freddy's 4 (right) at the Sheffield Anime & Gaming Con at the Mercure Sheffield in London on Sunday, September 17, 2023. (Photo by Danny Lawson/PA Images via Getty Images)

Katy Perry poses backstage during rehearsals for the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards at The Forum on August 25, 2017 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for MTV)

Tyra Banks prepares to pose as she arrives at the iHeartRadio MuchMusic Video Awards (MMVA) in Toronto, Canada, August 26, 2018. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Reuters)

Model Adriana Lima attends the 19th Annual amfAR New York Gala at Cipriani Wall Street on February 8, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Splash News and Pictures)

American singer-songwriter Beyoncé stuns in a driveway photoshoot in the second decade of February 2022. (Photo by beyonce/Instagram)

American actress and professional kiteboarder Maika Monroe is seen leaving the Saint Laurent show on February 25, 2020 in Paris, France. (Photo by Beretta/Sims/Rex Features/Shutterstock)