All of the exotic Wild Ones who are rescued, and who are fortunate enough to come to The Shambala Preserve have a story. The three Wild Ones who are our 2012 Ambassadors are an interesting Pride of Lions: Cyrus, Zoe, and Xhosa. These three cats didn't come to us as a pride. They were introduced to one another very carefully after months of living side by side with fencing from personality challenges that could erupt into dangerous fights.

A young male and female lions born in 1996 were rescued by the USDA from tragic conditions at a roadside zoo in Mississippi. We named the lioness "Zoe." A friend and mentor of mine, Beatrice Wood, artist, sculptress, and writer, named the young lion. She named him "Cyrus the Great," after the man who founded the Persian Empire in 600-529 B.C.

In 1997, a young lioness, "Xhosa," was living in a Cincinnati, Ohio apartment with a dentist. He had purchased the young predator from a man who had given his daughter a lion cub as a gift. Xhosa was confiscated and brought to Shambala.

These three lions have been living together successfully as a pride ever since. I hear a few arguments every now and then, but nothing serious. With your help, these cats will be safe at Shambala for the rest of their lives.

Upon hearing their stories, it is easy to see why it is so importent for Federal legislation to be in place to stop the breeding of these Apex Predators. You can be, and are, the only way The Roar Foundation can make a difference in the lives of these cats. Your support is also needed to help pass legislation to stop breeding for personal use. Please help us bring this situation to a sane conclusion.

Come meet our beautiful Pride of King Cyrus and his beautiful mates, Zoe and Xhosa: Shambala's Ambassadors for the Year 2012!

For the love and respect of the Wild Ones of Shambala and those who need Sanctuary,

Tippi Hedren