Excited Lion Rescued From Circus Feels Grass For The First Time In His Entire Life After Being Caged For 13 Years
A recent video released by an animal sanctuary in Brazil called Rancho dos Gnomos evokes a mix of pure delight and empathy. Rancho dos Gnomos has been operating as an animal sanctuary in Brazil, focusing on the rehabilitation of wild exotic animals. They have a highly professional and trained staff dedicated to caring for animals, especially those that are wild by nature but have not lived in their natural habitat and have been mistreated in one way or another.
The video features a 13-year-old lion named Will. He has spent his entire life as part of a circus, performing and traveling. He has never lived in the wild, so he has no idea what natural surfaces feel like. Having spent his life in cages, all he was familiar with were concrete and metal surfaces.
This is precisely why this video is so unique and heartwarming. It was filmed when Will stepped onto dirt and grass for the first time in his entire life.
After spending his whole life confined in a cage, this was undoubtedly a wholesome experience for him.
Will Feels Grass for the First Time in His Life
Will had no experience living freely and normally. It was expected that he might take time to adjust to his new surroundings and circumstances. To everyone's utter surprise, he was happy and overjoyed as he familiarized himself with the dirt and grass.
He rubbed his paws on the dirt and grass, and the softness excited him. Finally, after 13 years of confinement and circus life, he was close to nature in his natural habitat, free from the bars of a cage. Despite his age, he expressed his joy by running and rolling around in the grass.
This footage dates back to 2006 when Will was released from the circus and taken in by Rancho dos Gnomos. However, it was released quite recently.
Will passed away in 2011, having spent his years on Earth, but it is reassuring to know that he got to enjoy his life before his passing.
Take a look at this video, but be warned that it may make you emotional and teary-eyed.
Will Enjoying the Touch of Grass and Dirt
“He had five years of tranquility before he died. Here, he had the opportunity to interact with other lions. He loved to lie in the grass and look at the sky,” shared Marcos Pompeo, the sanctuary founder.
Anyone with an ounce of humanity and kindness is sure to be moved by this video. Appreciation goes to the team at Rancho dos Gnomos for providing a safe place for such animals and taking excellent care of them. Will's reaction upon his release in this video makes the mission of Rancho dos Gnomos all the more worthwhile.
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