A Lion Almost Killed Bob Denver on This ‘Gilligan’s Island’ Episode

There should be a spot in the sitcom hall of fame for Zamba, the trained lion who appeared on several classic TV comedies. The big cat must have been hilarious, considering it appeared on The Beverly Hillbillies, Mr. Ed, My Three Sons, I Dream of Jeannie, The Jack Benny Program, The Addams Family and My Favorite Martian. (Who knew there were so many lion-themed comedy plots?) Zamba even co-starred with Bob Denver twice — first when Denver played Maynard G. Krebs on The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis.

The second time around, Zamba guest-starred on Gilligan’s Island — and the appearance nearly cost Denver his life, according to producer Sherwood Schwartz. “Bob Denver had come within inches, literally, of being crushed beneath a 400-pound lion,” he revealed in his book Inside Gilligan's Island: From Creation to Syndication, per MeTV.

First, a little more background on Zamba. Exotic animal trainer Ralph Helfer, a fierce critic of the cruel treatment of animals in entertainment, raised the creature from a cub. He used a technique called “affection training” with his critters, and Helfer and Zamba reportedly had a special bond. Zamba had a great reputation on production sets for its gentle disposition, as evidenced by those countless appearances on 1950s and 1960s shows.

Zamba’s run-in with Gilligan wasn’t aggressive, but it was frightening nonetheless. In the scene, Gilligan is in a hut when he hears a lion’s growl. Assuming the beast is outside, he barricades the door, only to find the lion on his bed. Scared out of his sailor’s cap, he goes for a quick exit.  

In reality? Denver made for the door, but instead of Zamba staying in the bed as scripted, the lion leapt toward the actor instead. “The only thing that saved Bob’s life is the fact that the bed wasn’t bolted to the floor,” wrote Schwartz. “As a result, when the lion made his leap toward Bob, the lion’s back legs pushed the bed backwards, removing the force from his jump. Because of this, the lion’s leap fell short of Bob by about two feet.”

Enter Helfer, hurrying in to redirect Zamba. “Bob wasn’t even scratched,” said the relieved producer.

Perhaps the weirdest part of the whole episode? Denver thought nothing of Zamba’s lunge, ready to immediately jump back into the scene for another try. “Okay, one more time,” Denver directed. “And keep the bed loose, in case he jumps again.” That bonding time on Dobie Gillis must have set his mind at ease, and Denver and Zamba nailed it on the second take.

“Assume this happened to you,” marveled Schwartz. “How long would it take to get you back on the bed with the lion again? Would never be long enough?”