Sad Circus Lion Spends 13 Years Locked In Tiny Cage, His Reaction When He’s Freed For The First Time Is Everything

Most of us could not imagine being locked in a tiny metal cage for a short amount of time, let alone our entire life. Unfortunately, that is what happened to a circus lion who was locked in such a cage for 13 years. Will, the lion spent his life in captivity while traveling with a Brazilian circus. Eventually, an animal sanctuary, Rancho dos Gnomos came to his rescue and released him from captivity.

For 13 years, Will was stuck inside of that cramped cage when he was not performing. Finally, his cage was opened and he was allowed to roam free. At first, it was almost as if he didn’t know what was happening but then he jumped down and started to enjoy the grass under his feet. It seems as if he absolutely loves feeling nature and it is a delight for him. When you see it, it is sure to bring tears to your eyes.

Will rolled in the grass and took in all of the smells and textures that the earth had to offer. He began exploring the world around him in a way that any animal should do. It truly shows the plight of having an animal in captivity just for the purpose of entertaining humans. They should all be allowed to live out their lives in the wild.

According to Marcus Pompeo, the caretaker for the lion and founder of the sanctuary, he “loved to lie in the grass and look at the sky… [and] was a very happy lion.” After being released, he was allowed to live in the wild for five years before dying in 2011. You can see more about him and his release from captivity in this touching video: