Circus Lion Freed From Cage Feels Earth Beneath His Paws For The First Time

The Rancho dos Gnomos Santuário in Brazil share with us the thrilling moment when a lion named Will experiences for the first time, the feeling of soil and grass beneath his feet. Prior to being rescued and taken to the sanctuary, Will had been forced to perform with a traveling circus. For 13 long years, the lion had been confined to a cramped cage and denied any semblance of a normal existence.

Within seconds of his release, Will can be seen eagerly running his paws through the soft soil, tragically, up until then, he had known only cold metal floors. He was finally learning what it meant to be a lion.

*UPDATE: When Will passed away of old age his carers said, “he had five years of tranquility before he died and the opportunity to interact with other lions. He loved to lie in grass and look at the sky, he was a very happy lion.”

Click here to see a delightful video about a lion, a bear and a tiger who are the best of friends.