Trivia

Had his own bed in Ralph and Toni Helfer's home at their Africa U.S.A. ranch in Soledad Canyon where he not only slept at the foot of their bed but in-between them as well.

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

Saved Toni Helfer's life by chasing out an employee who broke into their family home at the "Africa U.S.A. Ranch" in Soledad Canyon, California to accost her.

His best buddy was a Jaguar called Raunchy.

Ralph trusted Zamba so much that he would let his own daughter Tana Helfer play with him alone on his Ranch and she would ride on his back all the time.

Was so tame and gentle that Ralph Helfer in response to a letter from Dawn, a blind girl; he invited her to his ranch to meet Zamba in person. When Dawn met Zamba she was over joyed that she sat down and Zamba put his head in Dawn's lap and she just fell in love with him.

Weighed 529-pounds.

When it came to movies Zamba preferred Westerns.

Loved children.

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

Played Kitty Kat on The Addams Family.

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

On the set of Feed the Kitty, Zamba tried to attack Bob Denver, but Ralph tackled him in mid-air to stop him from mauling Denver.

Died at approximately 18 of age-related causes. A statue of Zamba was erected at Africa, USA, a wild animal sanctuary outside of Los Angeles co-founded by Helfer.

Became so well-known around Hollywood that the guards at the Studio would just wave Ralph through when he drove in with Zamba in the back seat of his station wagon.

Was the lion for Hallelujah Hollywood at the MGM Grand Hotel.

Was the Dreyfus lion for years.

Was the audiences' favorite on Betty White television series The Pet Set (1971).

His owner and trainer Ralph would take him everywhere in the back of his station wagon. Even when he was dating Toni Helfer.

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

Took home four or five PATSY Awards.

Was in a Walt Disney movie.

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

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).

A lioness bit off his tufted tail when he was younger.

He befriended Bob Denver when they worked on The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis (1959).

Accidentally bit Bob Denver's arm while playing with him in Behind the Scenes of Feed the Kitty (1966). He also scratched him a little too.