The Ranchos dos Gnomos animal sanctuary in Brazil released a video last week that showed the first moments of a former circus Lion exiting his tiny cramped metal cage and feeling the grass under his feet for the first time in his life.

Image – YouTube

The Lion named Will had spent 13 years in a cage traveling around forced to perform in a circus.

Will can be seen in what can only be described as a true state of joy as he rolls around, scrapes the dirt and relishes in freedom. I don’t think anyone can deny he is fully aware of his surroundings and new life. A Lion like Will who was born into captivity, suffered both physical and emotional trauma could never be released back into the wild, but this sanctuary would give him the next best thing for the remaining 5 years of his life.

The footage was actually recorded in 2006 but the sanctuary just made it available to the public. Will had passed away in 2011 and he had lived out the remaining days of his life happy, free with the grass under his feet and a pride to call his own.

To find out more about the sanctuary that rescued Will you can visit their Facebook page, and as always please do not support any circus that uses wild animals.