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.
70年代的演員兼模特兒Tippi Hedren在洛杉磯創立了「香巴拉野生動物保護區」，這個保護區幫助許多受虐的大型貓科動物，也收容許多許要幫助的動物，自己也認養了一隻名為Neil的獅子，並把牠當成家中的一分子看待！
