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.

Sea lions wait on the deck of the boat before being released in front of Palomino island, in Callao, Peru September 12, 2015. Four young sea lions returned to the wild after being rescued by marine biologists and treated for various illnesses. The sea lions are survivors of various illnesses which they contracted off the coast of Peru caused by the elevated temperatures in the water because of the El Nino phenomenon, according to Carlos Yaipen, Director of Animal Science and Well-being Organization (ORCA). (Photo by Mariana Bazo/Reuters)

Smithsonian National Zoo biologist Leigh Pitsko releases a male lion cub for its swim test in the zoo habitat moat, in Washington May 6, 2014. Four, unnamed ten-week old lion cubs were tested today for their ability to swim and remove themselves from their zoo habitat moat. (Photo by Gary Cameron/Reuters)

Israeli security forces arrest an Ultra Orthodox Jewish man as they close a synagogue in the Mea Shearim Ultra-Orthodox neighbourhood in Jerusalem, on March 30, 2020, amid efforts to curb the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Ahmad Gharabli/AFP Photo)

A visitor looks at a creation by Russian artist Irina Nakhova presented at the Russia's pavilion during the 56th International Art Exhibition (Biennale d'Arte) titled “All the Worlds Futures” on May 5, 2015 in Venice. (Photo by Gabriel Bouys/AFP Photo)

People cool off in a fountain outside the Southbank Centre on June 30, 2015 in London, England. The UK is currently experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures of 35 degree celsius forecast tomorrow in some parts of the country. The extreme heat has already seen train cancellations and a health warning has been issued. (Photo by Rob Stothard/Getty Images)

A 210-kilogram-weight Epinephelussp was showed at China Fisheries & Seafood Expo in Fuzhou, Fujian, China on 24th October, 2014. (Photo by Top Photo/Sipa Press USA)

Muslim pilgrims pray on top of the rocky hill known as Mountain of Mercy on the Plain of Arafat during the annual hajj pilgrimage near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Thursday, July 30, 2020. Only about 1,000 pilgrims will be allowed to perform the annual hajj pilgrimage this year due to the virus pandemic. (Photo by Saudi Ministry of Media via AP Photo)