Tippi Hedren, 93, Races to Find New Manager for Wildlife Preserve After Daughter Melanie Griffith Refuses Role

Actress Tippi Hedren’s affection for big cats is well known. She developed a connection with lions and tigers during the production of the movie Roar in the ’80s, and this led her to establish the Shambala Preserve—a 72-acre wildlife sanctuary that serves as a haven for lions, tigers, cougars, and other exotic members of the cat family that has experienced neglect or mistreatment.

However, just like every other parent, Hedren, who is now 93 years old, had envisioned upholding her legacy by passing on her cherished wildlife sanctuary to her daughter, actress Melanie Griffith, and granddaughter Dakota Johnson who have also been wildlife enthusiasts from their childhoods.

Tippi Hedren’s daughter and granddaughter have declined the offer of taking over Shambala Preserve

A friend of Tippi Hedren shared that the actress is in the process of making alternative arrangements about her Shambala Preserve because her daughter and granddaughter have declined her offer to take over the administration.

RELATED: 90-Year-Old Tippi Hedren Still Lives With Lions And Tigers At Home

The insider further revealed that even though Hendren has professionals on the ground to tend to the animals even after her demise, she would have loved to keep it in the family. “Tippi has a trained staff who can keep things humming after she’s gone, but she would have loved it to be a family legacy,” the close ally admitted. “Her biggest worry is funding. Tippi’s famous name helped boost donations over the years, and she hoped Melanie and Dakota would continue that.”

Melanie Griffith and Dakota Johnson are not ready to take over the preserve

The close pal also stated that Griffith and Johnson refused to take over the preserve due to their aspirations and plans, which are quite different from those of the 93-year-old. “They just don’t share the same passion as Tippi for the big cats,” the source said. “Melanie has served on the board for the preserve and Dakota loves visiting there, but they have their own interests and passions.”

However, the source concluded that both women are willing to uphold the legacy of the Hollywood Walk of Famer but do not want to be directly involved in the runnings of the wildlife preserve. “Melanie and Dakota say they’re happy to help keep Shambala alive,” the friend confessed, “they just don’t want to run it.”