An animal sanctuary in Brazil has released a video that shows the moment a freed circus lion experiences playing in the grass for the first time.

In a YouTube video posted by the Rancho Gome Sanctuary in Cotia, São Paulo state, 13-year-old Will the lion can be seen frolicking outdoors for the first time, pawing the dirt and rolling around in the grass.

The footage was filmed back in 2006 when the sanctuary rescued Will. The lion went on to enjoy five years of freedom before passing away aged 18 in 2011. The animal sanctuary has now decided to release the video as a means of attracting attention to their plight to relocate the sanctuary from the crowded city to the Mantiqueira Mountains.