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.

Actress Frederique Bel attends the Opening ceremony and the “Grace of Monaco” Premiere during the 67th Annual Cannes Film Festival on May 14, 2014 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

Actress/Singer Victoria Justice arrives at the 2012 Teen Choice Awards at Gibson Amphitheatre on July 22, 2012 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Jeffrey Mayer)

Actress Nora Arnezeder arrives at NBC Universal's 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards After Party at The Beverly Hilton hotel on January 15, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Dutch actress, dancer and model Lotte Verbeek and the cast of “The Book Of Vision” recreate the pinnacle scene from the movie during the 77th Venice Film Festival at on September 03, 2020 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Yara Nardi/Reuters)

English actress Florence Pugh attends the EE British Academy Film Awards 2022 at Royal Albert Hall on March 13, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

English actress Florence Pugh attends the “Don't Worry Darling” red carpet at the 79th Venice International Film Festival on September 05, 2022 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

British actress Jess Impiazzi on Sunday, February 5, 2023 has found reasons to smile again as she opens up about her strengthened relationship with footie ace Jermaine Pennant. (Photo by Olivia West/The Sun)