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Random Observations by Pat Ostrye

Larger than Life!  Really! 

    As I mentioned two weeks ago, Tippi Hedren would and did bring to Monrovia all of the ginormous details, complete with slide show, concerning the operation of her Shambala Preserve in Acton, California, for which she has campaigned tirelessly at state and federal levels.  Hedren was the celebrity speaker for the Annual Quota International - Monrovia/Duarte fund-raiser for, mainly, aid to the deaf and help for abused women and children.  The luncheon was held on April 2nd at the Courtyard Marriott in Monrovia to a capacity crowd.

       Let me say first that all of the information I'm about to give is taken from Hedren's magnificent folder, Roar, complete with life-size photos of these exotic animals.  Her mission is to educate the public as she advocates legislation to protect them, providing sanctuary for  animals who have suffered from gross mistreatment and neglect, so that they can regain their physical and mental health, living out their animal lives with dignity.

       For 20 years the Shambala Preserve has been a paradise for scores of abandoned, abused and unwanted big cats and 2 elephants.  At this time, Shambala is home to 69 big cats, including lion, tiger, cougar, serval, bobcat, a cheetah, a jungle cat, a lynx and one magnificent liger.  At Shambala, they neither breed animals nor sell them.  They warn that, not only does private ownership present a grave danger to the public, it is also cruel and unfair to these animals. 

       Hedren's Roar Foundation was established in 1983 and exists solely to support the Preserve and has a Partners in Education Program designed for all ages.  Students and youth organizations between the ages of 6 and 18 years may visit during the regular school year, usually on Tuesday mornings.  The Shambala Preserve also has two authentic African tents, The Malaika Marquees, which allow two couples to enjoy a very exclusive and unique over-night stay for a donation starting at $3000 per couple.  For information, 661-268-0380.

        Tippi Hedren has been known particularly for her starring roles in Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" and "Marnie", but it was her starring role in "Roar" that became the genesis of the Shambala Preserve.  Of course, it is also nice to know that Melanie Griffith is her daughter, married to actor Antonio Banderis.

         All in all, it was a great day, entertainment-wise and financially for the many "hearing" projects as well as the numerous local charities who benefit from Quota International-Monrovia/Duarte throughout the year.             postrye@netzero.com

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