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.

Children watch and react as a T-Rex moves and growls in an inter-active display at Field Station Dinosaurs in Secaucus, N.J on May 25, 2012. There will be 31 types of life-sized dinosaurs displayed at the Jurassic expedition that opens Saturday, May 26. (Photo by Mel Evans/Associated Press)

Poland's Piotr Lisek celebrates after winning in the Men's pole vault during the IAAF Diamond League competition on July 12, 2019 in Monaco. (Photo by Eric Gaillard/Reuters)

Maya Nakanishi of Japan competes en route to winning the women's T64 long jump at the World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai on November 11, 2019. (Photo by Christopher Pike/Reuters)

Grand Champion Oakhurst Crusin' in Chrome, an Australian Shepard, poses backstage at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show after winning best of opposite s*x on February 13, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

Swimmers prepare to take part in the annual Christmas Day Peter Pan Cup handicap race in the Serpentine River, in Hyde Park, London, December 25, 2015. (Photo by Andrew Winning/Reuters)

Fans of American football gathered at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to watch the Jacksonville Jaguars win against the Buffalo Bills 25-20 in the NFL on October 08, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Peter Tarry/The Times)