For 20 years, Mufasa the mountain lion lived in heartbreaking conditions—chained to the back of a pickup truck and forced to perform in a traveling circus in Peru. Like so many other animals in the entertainment industry, he suffered years of abuse, neglect, and confinement.

That all changed when Animal Defenders International (ADI) intervened. While working to shut down illegal circuses, they discovered Mufasa and fought to rescue him. It wasn’t an easy mission, but they ultimately broke his chains and gave him a chance at the freedom he had never known.

For the first time in his life, Mufasa felt soft grass under his paws and breathed in the peace of the wild. He was finally free.

Tragically, just a few months later, Mufasa passed away due to kidney failure. But in those final months, he experienced something priceless: kindness, calm, and dignity.

Mufasa’s story is a powerful reminder—no animal should ever have to live in chains. Rest in peace, Mufasa. 🦁💔