In the early 1970s, Hollywood witnessed one of the most extraordinary and unusual family dynamics ever documented: a family living alongside and sharing their home with a full-grown 400-pound lion. This story involves Tippi Hedren, the iconic actress best known for her role in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, and her family, who made a remarkable decision to raise Neil, a massive lion, as their pet. This was not just a tale of a pet and owner, but a rare, sometimes dangerous, and awe-inspiring bond that would result in the creation of a film, Roar, and the foundation for animal preservation.
The Origins of Tippi Hedren and Neil’s Unique Bond
In 1969, Tippi Hedren and her husband, Noel Marshall, were on a film shoot in Africa when they encountered a house that had been taken over by lions. The sight of the animals in such close proximity inspired the couple to create a film that would raise awareness about the preservation of lions and other endangered species. Soon after, Marshall wrote a script, originally titled Lions, Lions and More Lions, which was later renamed Roar. The film was to become an expression of their passion for wildlife conservation, and Neil, the lion, became the star of the show.
At the time, Hedren and Marshall decided to raise and live with Neil, a fully-grown lion. This decision was influenced by animal trainer Ron Oxley’s advice: “To get to know anything about lions, you’ve just got to live with them for a while.” In the early days, the Hedren-Marshall family and Neil coexisted under the same roof, with the lion roaming freely. Neil was soon a beloved member of the family, often seen lounging on the couch, playing in the pool, or even sleeping in bed with Tippi’s daughter, Melanie Griffith. While this unconventional living arrangement created a surreal family atmosphere, it was also fraught with danger, and their story soon captured the attention of the public and the media.
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Check out Dakota Johnson’s Grandmother Tippi Hedren Owns 14 Lions & Tigers on The Graham Norton Show to hear about her wild adventures with these magnificent animals!
Living with a 400-pound Lion: A Family’s Unconventional Life
For years, Tippi Hedren, her family, and Neil the lion lived in an environment where wildlife and family life blended in ways that seemed unimaginable. In photos captured by Michael Rougier for Life Magazine in 1971, Neil can be seen engaging in playful activities with the family—whether it was lounging by the pool, taking naps with the children, or even fetching the newspaper for Tippi. These rare images vividly show the unique relationship the family had with Neil, who became an unofficial member of the Hedren family.
While this might seem like an odd fairy tale, Hedren later admitted in her memoir that raising a lion in the household was “stupid beyond belief.” She acknowledged the extreme risks and dangers involved, especially as Neil grew larger and stronger. Yet despite the challenges, Hedren remained deeply committed to preserving the relationship she had cultivated with the lion.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of the Movie Roar (1974-1981)
In 1974, the Hedren-Marshall family moved to a ranch outside of Los Angeles in Acton, where they were granted permission to rescue and raise not just lions but tigers, leopards, and African elephants as well. The location was used as a backdrop for the film Roar, which revolved around a family of humans interacting with the wild cats.
The production took years to complete, with the filming process taking five long years, starting in 1974 and concluding in 1981. Every scene involving the animals was unchoreographed and shot with multiple cameras, which was extremely risky and led to several injuries for the cast and crew.
The Challenges of Filming with Wild Animals
The making of Roar was an immense undertaking, marked by challenges that bordered on dangerous. More than 100 crew members worked alongside 150 untrained wild animals, creating a volatile and unpredictable work environment. The decision to work with live, untrained big cats posed serious risks, and it wasn’t long before Hedren and other cast members faced injuries.
In one incident, Tippi Hedren was thrown off the back of an elephant, fracturing her leg and suffering scalp wounds. More frighteningly, she was bitten by a lion on the neck and needed 38 stitches. Her daughter, Melanie Griffith, wasn’t spared either. She received 50 stitches after being attacked by a lion, and it was feared that she would lose an eye. Despite these terrifying injuries, Hedren and Marshall persevered with their vision for the film.
The Cost of the Wild Filming Experience: Injuries, Floods, and Setbacks
While the film’s production proved to be an immense challenge, there were numerous setbacks along the way, including natural disasters. A flood in 1978 destroyed many of the sets, and the lions that Hedren had rescued also fell victim to the flood. The damage delayed the film for several years, but Hedren remained optimistic and was determined to see the project completed. She believed in the importance of sharing the film’s message with the world, even though it was evident that the project would face enormous financial challenges.
The Aftermath of Roar: The Legacy of the Roar Foundation and Shambala Preserve
After Roar was released worldwide in 1981, the film didn’t perform as expected, grossing just $2 million compared to its $17 million budget. Despite the commercial failure, the film had a lasting impact on Hedren’s life. It was during this time that she realized the importance of continuing her work with wild animal preservation, leading to the establishment of The Roar Foundation in 1983.
Hedren’s passion for animal conservation took root even more firmly after the film’s release. She established the Shambala Preserve in Acton, California, where she and other animal lovers cared for over 70 animals, including lions, tigers, and leopards. The Shambala Preserve became a sanctuary for these creatures, and Hedren’s efforts helped raise awareness about the need to protect endangered species.
Conclusion: The Courage of Tippi Hedren and Her Unlikely Friendship with Neil
The story of Tippi Hedren, her family, and their lion Neil is one that defies convention, highlighting the courage and resilience of a family willing to go to extreme lengths for a cause they believed in. While their life with a lion might have seemed bizarre to some, it was also an example of human compassion and determination to make a difference for the animal kingdom. Their work with big cats and their creation of Roar continue to inspire those who value animal welfare and conservation.
The legacy of Tippi Hedren and Neil the lion lives on, not just through the film but also through Hedren’s ongoing efforts with The Roar Foundation and the Shambala Preserve. Their remarkable story reminds us that true passion and dedication can make the world a better place for both humans and animals alike.
Gallery: A Rare Glimpse into the Life of Tippi Hedren, Melanie Griffith, and Neil
The gallery captures heartwarming moments from the life of Tippi Hedren and her family with Neil the lion, offering a glimpse into the unusual, yet deeply moving relationship they shared with this majestic creature. These images showcase the bond between humans and animals, one that transcended the ordinary and ventured into the extraordinary.
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Watch Tippi Hedren: Alfred Hitchcock Assaulted Me After I Refused To Sleep With Him to hear her powerful story about the abuse she faced. It’s a must-see for those interested in her journey.
