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.

The snow leopard (Panthera uncia syn. Uncia uncia) is a large cat native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia. It is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species because as of 2003, the size of the global population was estimated at 4,080-6,590 adults, of which fewer than 2,500 individuals may reproduce in the wild.

Disabled dogs outfitted with wheelchairs walk at an animal rescue center on July 12, 2008 in Chengdu of Sichuan Province, China. The center has adopted over 100 stray dogs and cats from quake-struck areas. Those who were hurt or disabled are outfitted with a cart to help support they're body and make them mobile. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)

A runner in fancy dress participates in the Virgin London Marathon 2013 on April 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

Iraqi forces gather during an operation to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq, October 21, 2016. (Photo by Reuters/Stringer)

A man arranges a display of cacti during preparations for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London, Britain May 21, 2016. (Photo by Neil Hall/Reuters)

A boy jumps over a puddle of water on the outskirts of Havana, Cuba March 21, 2016. (Photo by Ueslei Marcelino/Reuters)

A Saudi soldier fires a mortar towards Houthi movement position, at the Saudi border with Yemen April 21, 2015. (Photo by Reuters/Stringer)