Usually we cover music on Saturdays; however, I found out about an amazing organization during a soon to be posted conversation with A.W. Gryphon. In the course of her conversation I learned that one of her close friends Tippi Hedren (yes from Alfred Hitchcocks Birds, one of my favorite movies - P.S. I love the Barbie that is coming out as her character Melanie Daniels) was the founder of the Shambala Preserve. Serving as President of the Roar Foundation, she ensures that the preserve is running. This preserve is in Southern California and is a safe haven for big cats that have been abused due to people trying to own them as pets, being used as "protectors" for drug dealers and more. Many of the initial animals that came to the preserve were obtained from the movie, Roar, that Tippi Hedron played in. This was also her inspiration as she fell in love with these beautiful creatures.

These big cats now have a safe place to live where there is a full staff to to care of them and they can live their lives in a protected environment. You can support their efforts by donating to various cats. Depending on the type of big cat (lion, tiger, liger, etc), you can support on a monthly basis for $50, $75 or $100 a month. If you happen to be in the area, Shambala Preserve is open to the public one weekend a month but you have to make a reservation in advance in order to see 70 big cats and a selection of ducks as well. I think that this is a great organization and one that you should learn more about and definitely should assist! Enjoy these images of the big cats that were taken by Bill Dow (c).