For two decades, Mufasa the mountain lion lived a life no creature deserves—chained to the back of a pickup truck, forced to perform in a Peruvian circus. Like many circus animals, he endured years of neglect and abuse, never knowing freedom.

That changed when Animal Defenders International stepped in. While working to shut down illegal circuses, they found Mufasa—and fought to rescue him. It wasn’t easy, but they freed him from his chains and gave him a taste of the wild he was born to know.

For the first time in 20 years, Mufasa felt grass beneath his paws and the quiet of nature around him. He was finally free.

Sadly, just a few months later, he passed away from kidney failure. But in those final months, he experienced love, peace, and dignity.

Mufasa’s story is a reminder: no animal should ever live in chains. May he rest in peace. 🦁💔