It is so heartbreaking to hear any cruelty towards animals.

It’s unfair to behave barbaric to these defenseless creatures, who deserve the care and love of people. Fortunately, there are still kind people and righteous organizations ready to protect these helpless animals. That was Animal Defenders International, who organized the rescue of the 20 years chained circus mountain lion, named Mufasa. It’s so painful to live almost your whole life in chains, like a slave. Poor, helpless Mufasa has lived chained to the bed of a truck for more than 20 years, being a travelling circus lion. He was actually the last animal in captivity, as wild animals in circuses are banned in Peru.

Thanks to ADI, who tracked down all the animals being in captivity, Mufasa also was eventually set free.

As the mountain lion had to spend his entire life in a cage, he couldn’t survive in the wild, so the group decided to release Mufasa to the sanctuary in the Peruvian forest, where it was built an enclosure for him. There, the majestic lion could eventually live in peace and freedom, as a natural habitant. The staff took care of him. Unfortunately, the hard life in circus damaged lion’s health badly, he had some health issues adding also age-related problems, which shortened the life of this adorable animal. Mufasa passed away a few months later after being freed. But he closed his eyes forever in freedom, enjoying the last part of his life in the nature.

Watch the below video to learn more about Mufasa!