Zamba

Zamba was an orphaned African lion cub owned by Ralph Helfer, an exotic animal trainer who owned a ranch called "Nature's Haven: Wild Animal Rentals Co," in Van Nuys, California that he ...Show More

Zamba was an orphaned African lion cub owned by Ralph Helfer, an exotic animal trainer who owned a ranch called "Nature's Haven: Wild Animal Rentals Co," in Van Nuys, California that he opened in 1955.The cub was named after the Zambezi River in Zambia, where he was found, almost near death by two of Ralph's friends Jack and Brini who were on a three-week Safari photographing the wildlife in Africa.Brini really got attached Zamba while they were nursing him back to health but they both knew their good friend Ralph would not only be the perfect person to raise Zamba but he had the property to do it when they brought him back to America.The animal trainers of Hollywood in that time used cruel treatment in the training of their wild exotic animals in the entertainment industry.The trainers brought them in with cages, used the fear and intimidation of whips, guns and chairs to beat their animals into control.Even as a child Ralph pledged his life to a crusade against animal cruelty.Ralph was going to raise Zamba as a member of the family; using his own animal training philosophy he called "Affection Training," emphasizing love, patience, understanding and respect.Zamba grew into a magnificent lion that Ralph formed a special bond with and he trusted him completely. Because of Zamba's good nature and gentle disposition he became very well known in the entertainment world so many people called Ralph to make appearances with Zamba.Ralph brought Zamba to help in many charitable organizations to raise funds many of them involved children and they were happy to help schools for orphans, the children's wards at various hospitals, the March of Dimes and the Red Cross, and many more. He also visited homes for the sick, old, and infirm and even attended Christmas parties. They were not above doing things for the less fortunate or doing things for the less fortunate or giving to the needy. They even rode in the "Tournament of Roses Parade" on a very large float that represented the days of the Roman Olympics. With a Colosseum, Circus Maximus and Gladiators.Ralph brought Zamba on many different movies and television series including the The Pet Set (1971) Hosted by their Dear friend Betty White.In the spring of 1960 Twentieth Century-Fox studio called Ralph about the need of a lion to work with a child actress Pamela Franklin for Zamba's first staring role in the movie The Lion (1962).When Ralph first introduced Zamba to Pamela, a vibrant bright little lady, she just captured his heart immediately and they got along famously. Pam even helped Ralph take care of Zamba during all their time in Nairobi, Kenya while shooting the movie, which took a year to complete because of bad rain.When Ralph returned to the States in 1962 he married Toni Helfer and they gave birth to a beautiful daughter Tana Helfer, which Ralph said was, and is, one of the greatest blessings God has bestowed on me! Tana was named after a river in Kenya, who from the very beginning had a special relationship with Zamba.Soon because of the Antelope Valley Freeway Ralph and Toni's property was cut in half so they had to relocate to Soledad Canyon where they bought 600 acres of land to build their new ranch and they decided to name it "Africa U.S.A" because of the large number of African animals that were being filmed.Ralph's own relationship with Zamba was so close and so trusting that he never thought twice about bringing his daughter around him. Zamba knew lots of baby animals, and he always treated Tana with the utmost gentleness and respect. He'd never lick her skin, for instance, only her clothes, as if he knew that his rough tongue would hurt her. And his claws were never out when he was anywhere near her. Zamba was not only Tana's God Father, but Guardian and constant companion as well.Ralph's heart was filled with happiness to see Tana curled up against Zamba; it was like beauty and the beast, except to him they were both beautiful.Tana was probably one of the only children in the world who had a lion around as other kids had a family dog and it was not uncommon to see her riding on Zamba's back around the ranch.On Zamba's eighteenth birthday he passed away peacefully on the "Gentle Jungle" ranch in Colton, California and Ralph drove him to the far end of his ranch and buried him next to their favorite tree they called Old Lady.An enormous thunderstorm hit their ranch soon after Zamba died, and a bolt of lightning hit Old Lady, splitting her in half. She also had a good life and it was time for her to go as well. Hide