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 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 to 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.

Bob Denver worked with Zamba twice in The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis (1959) and Gilligan's Island (1964).

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.

Jerry Lewis was so scared of Zamba that he had gun in his pocket for protection when they worked together in the movie The Ladies Man (1961).

Immediately bonded with child star Pamela Franklin prior to the making of the movie The Lion (1962).

Became good friends with Robert Mitchum while on the set of the movie Rampage (1963).

Developed a special relationship with Shirley Jones while filming the movie Fluffy (1965).

Played a seeing eye lion in the TV series Tarzan (1966).

Ralph brought Zamba on many different movies and television series including the The Pet Set (1971) Hosted by their Dear friend Betty White.