OCTOBER 18, 2006
FROM BIRDS TO LIGERS
ACTON, CA

When Napoleon Dynamite proclaimed that a liger was like, pretty much his favorite animal, it set off a trend of high school kids all over the country saying that their favorite animal was also pretty much a liger.

But how many of them can actually say they've ever been face to face with such an animal? Napoleon included.

OK, let's take a step back here because I sense that most of you don't even believe that a liger is a real animal. Well it is. Very real. And they have one at Shambala -- a preserve owned and kept by Tippi Hedren of "The Birds" fame. And it's pretty much one of my favorite animals.

Shambala is located on the edge of the Mojave Desert, about 40 miles northeast of Los Angeles. Its 80 acres are home to almost 70 animals, including African lions, Siberian and Bengal tigers, leopards, servals, mountain lions, bobcats, a lynx, a Florida panther, a snow leopard, a cheetah, and a liger.

Yes, a liger.

And yes I ripped that from the website (www.shambala.org). Most of these animals were born in captivity, with many of them being orphans or cast-offs from circuses (Mark Burnett is trying to sell the show) zoos and private owners (including two of Michael Jackson's cats) who could no longer care for them. Yep, took some of that from the website also.

Tippi made it very clear that these animals are NOT pets. Not pelts either. She had leopard pattern all over the place, but told me it was of course faux (I had to ask ... that's why you pay me the big bucks!)

Tippi, who's now in her mid-70s, is razor sharp and witty beyond her years. Oh wait, what I meant is that she's like really current and with it ... I guess I should just say she acts a lot younger than her age.

Hmm, at what point does saying that no longer become an insult? Just curious because my parents still tell me that. So does my wife for that matter. Anyhoo, what I'm trying to say is that the chick knew what an iPod was. You know what I'm saying?

We were told there would be no touching the animals, but when Tippi wasn't looking I petted one of the tigers (see: big bucks above. Me working for you). Other highlights of the day included Jaron getting crapped on by a crow. Such luck that brother of mine has. Boy, was I jealous. How come birds never crap on me?

Running a preserve is not something I can honestly say that I would do, but I have much respect for Tippi, who gives her time and money to create a haven for endangered exotic big cats. And if I've in anyway moved you, feel free to send money to Shambala.

They count on nice people like you and me to help fund the joint. Well, you anyway -- I'm poor and not very nice. So hey, next time you're out at Shambala, tell Tippi we say hi. She's a very caring character. And even nice characters are welcome.

Past Entries:

• (10/11) The Man Behind the Mascot
• (10/3) Top Banana