Rescued Circus Lion Feels Grass for the First Time in 13 Years—Watch the Tear-Jerking Video!

Will was rescued from life in a Brazillian circus by Rancho do Gnomos and was finally able to act like a giant cat again

By Jenna Mullins May 13, 2015 8:04 PMTags

It took 13 years, but this lion is finally experiencing a simple joy that was taken away from him so many years ago.

Will has spent the past 13 years in a Brazilian circus, which means he was kept in a cramped cage that severely impacted his health and well-being. Though wild animal circus attractions are banned at local levels in Brazil, way too many of these innocent animals are still being abused and exploited simply for a show.

Thankfully, Will was one of the many lucky animals rescued by the people at Rancho do Gnomos, an organization dedicated to creating safe havens for domestic, wild and exotic animals. Watching Will take his first steps onto fresh grass will break your heart, because it's so cruel that he was kept away from freedom for so long, but watching him happily roll around like a giant house cat will definitely put a smile on your face.

Or if you're like us, the video will just make you cry pretty steadily, because how can you not when you see Will go from timid to overjoyed in the span of seconds because he finally gets to run around and just enjoy being outside?

Visit Rancho do Gnomos' website to learn more about their rescue efforts or to donate to support their amazing work with animals.