Circus lion was locked up for 20 long years, now watch his reaction when he’s released
Life in captivity is the worst form of living because every living creature, whether an animal or a human, is meant to be free. Unfortunately, stories of animals who end up spending their lives chained and never get to experience freedom are something we stumble upon way too often.
A mountain lion named Mufasa who ended up at a circus in Peru went through hell after he was forced to spend his days chained up in the back of a pick up truck for 20 years.
Circus animals are often neglected and abused, and Mufasa wasn’t an exception.
Luckily, his suffering came to an end thanks to the animal rights organization Animal Defenders International who did all in their power to put an end to Mufasa’s struggles and give him new lease of life. Their goal was to shut the circus down and that’s when they discovered Mufasa in the first place.
Taking him out of the circus wasn’t easy, but they succeeded.
Mufasa got to live the way he was always meant to. He experienced freedom and enjoyed the nature, but sadly, his happiness was short-lived. This beautiful lion died of kidney failure just months after he was rescued, but at least he spent his final days as a free animal and got to experience what it meant to be loved and cared for.
No animal deserved to be treated the way Mufasa was. May he rest in peace.
For more on this story go to the video below.
5 Best Animal-Free Circuses
In 1831, French animal trainer Henri Martin entered a cage with a tiger. It was the first time a circus performed with wild animals. Unfortunately, the idea caught on, and soon circuses everywhere showcased elephants, lions, bears, and tigers jumping through fiery hoops, riding bicycles, and standing on their hind legs wearing tutus and tiaras. For nearly two centuries, this cruel tradition of enslaving wild animals for entertainment carried on.
Starting in the 1970s, animal rights activists rose up against the cruelty and ignited a movement to halt the use of animals in circuses. By the 1990s, circus owners started seeing the writing on the wall — profits dwindled, then, in 2009, Bolivia became the first country to ban all animals from circuses. After that, more and more cities, states, and countries started banning circuses with animal acts. Today there are 51 countries, 112 U.S. jurisdictions, and 11 states with partial or complete bans on the use of wild animals. Today a growing number of circuses offer eye-popping and superbly creative non-animal-based entertainment — even one with astonishing animal holograms.
Here are our top five picks, chosen for their unique features and popularity. Be sure to check them all out and enjoy the show!
#1 Circus-Theater Roncalli
This German-based circus started phasing out animal acts in the 1990s and switched to become an entirely animal-free venue in 2018. Besides spectacular acrobatic performances, what makes this our number-one pick is Circus-Theater Roncalli’s unique and hugely popular feature, holograms. These giant life-like 3-D laser lights envelop audiences in the wonder and beauty of majestic wild animals who feel close enough to touch.
A spokesperson told In Defense of Animals, “The spots where we play are asphalted, the cities are noisy, and it is no longer contemporary to travel with animals.”
Australia is also trailblazing with this animal-free technology by opening the world’s first Hologram Zoo in Brisbane. Axiom Holographics’ animal-free zoo was named the number one new invention in 2023 by Time Magazine. Holgram zoos are now in Canada and China. And in 2025, Zoocade, the first hologram zoo in the US opened in Austin, Texas.
We would love to see this trend spread far and wide, making it possible for zoo and circus-goers to experience the joy and excitement of seeing wild animals, in a harm-free way.
#2 Cirque du Soleil
The world’s most famous circus was also the first one to introduce completely human-powered acts in 1984. Founded by two former street performers in Quebec, this innovative human-only circus concept has dazzled audiences ever since with its stunning and brilliant acrobatic feats and electrifying light shows. Cirque du Soleil is a magical blend of music, mind-bending performances, and spectacular stage design. A commentator on TripAdvisor said, “I can’t remember how many times I gasped in amazement!” No animals are needed to make this a show that enthralls old and young alike.
#3 Bindlestiff Family Cirkus
Based in New York City, Bindlestiff, a family-owned circus, continues the time-honored folk traditions of vaudeville, sideshow, and burlesque. Audiences delight in the array of performers, including jugglers, acrobats, contortionists, plate spinners, and sword swallowers, along with novelty music and dance. Bindlestiff Family Cirkus also supports emerging and professional variety artists and provides education and enrichment opportunities.
#4 Cirque Italia
This Italian circus travels the world showcasing amazing acrobatics and aerialists performing on a unique water stage. Cirque Italia offers an adventure like no other, and a big splash of fun for kids and adults alike.
#5 Circus Vargas
Based in San Diego, Circus Vargas features death-defying stunts, flying aerialists, showstopping acrobats, and crowd-pleasing clowns — all the thrills of a classic big-top circus, without animal cruelty. Circus Vargas transitioned to a human-only circus in 2010 and has been gaining praise and critical acclaim ever since. It was named the best circus in San Diego by SanDiego.com.
Honorable Mentions:
Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey, U.S.
New Shanghai Circus, China
Florida State University Flying High Circus, U.S.
Circus Finelli, Italy
Phare Circus, Cambodia
Les Colporteurs, France
UniverSoul Circus, U.S.
Venardos Circus, U.S.
Flynn Creek Circus, U.S.