An Elderly Mountain Lion Rescued From Illegal Peruvian Circus and Freed After Being Forced to Perform for 20 Years
Mountain lions are naturally found in steep places, specifically mountainous terrains. Deserts are also included in their list of natural habitats, as well as coastal forests.
They clearly belong to vast spaces where they can roam free among other animals and not be chained up to be carted off—especially not to a circus.
Mufasa is an elderly mountain lion who was suspected to have been traded as an infant to illegal exotic animal traders and forced to perform in a Peruvian circus. For 20 years, Mufasa was hauled from village to village, chained up all the time with no freedom.
Wild animals are, by law, not allowed to be part of circuses in Peru. However, this does not stop those who run them from finding ways to acquire such animals for 'entertainment.'
Because of this, Animal Defenders International works hard to eradicate illegal practices like these and rescue existing animals that are already trapped. In one of ADI's yearlong missions, called Operation Spirit of Freedom, they finally rescued Mufasa.
Although Mufasa was the last animal to be rescued, it came at the cost of a lengthy standoff between his owners and ADI, with neither side willing to relent. Fortunately, ADI won the battle, and Mufasa was transferred to a sanctuary to heal.
Mufasa Found Underweight and Caged
Operation Spirit of Freedom was launched by Animal Defenders International after their previous campaigns to rescue illegal circus animals sparked an outcry in multiple countries, including Peru.
After investigations led by ADI, Mufasa was found chained in the back of a pickup truck. The flatbed of the pickup truck served as his jail, where he would seek rest among circus equipment when he wasn't performing.
The sight, as described by the president of ADI, was something sad and wretched. Mufasa was found with a heavy harness around his body and was severely underweight.
The 8-Hour Standoff Between ADI, the Officials, the Police, and Mufasa's Former Owners
ADI Won Mufasa's Freedom for Him
Mufasa Taking Cautious Steps with the Support of Rescuers
After the rescue mission, Mufasa was deemed too weak to be released into the wild and was therefore transferred to a forest enclosure built by ADI at Taricaya to ensure his recovery. This way, he will be protected without compromising his freedom.
Rest Well and Run Free, Mufasa
Unfortunately, even with the efforts of ADI in helping Mufasa and the progress of his recovery, the elderly mountain lion passed away. With years spent tied up and caged, Mufasa had already suffered irreversible damage to his health.
Animal Defenders International delivered this news and expressed the tragedy of Mufasa not having more time to enjoy his freedom, while also focusing on the positive aspect of him still experiencing it.
Wild animals deserve to live their lives in the comfort of their natural habitat. If, in some cases, that isn't possible, at least a sanctuary.
Mufasa was lucky enough to be rescued, but it doesn't take away from the fact that he shouldn't have been in the illegal circus in the first place. There's hope that with organizations like ADI and the support of a country's government, incidents like this will cease to happen.
If you want to share your thoughts for Mufasa and raise awareness, please write them down in the comments.
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