Positivity and kindness are difficult to harness when you experience otherwise.

We often expect that those who went through a lot of abuse and trauma would either turn out to be like their tormentors or would shut down from the world completely.

But if we look deeper, all they yearn for is the love and kindness they were deprived of.

Animals feel the same, and jungle animals like lions aren’t immune to that maltreatment.

We know that lions are fierce and strong. After all, they aren’t called kings of the jungle for nothing.

However, some lions and other wild animals (tigers, elephants, etc.) were bred in captivity without the proper care.

Worse, they’re used for entertainment to gain income, and owners have little-to-no regard for the animals’ health.

Güero had that unfortunate fate.

He was held captive at a private residence in Mexico for most of his life.

You can see in his body and eyes that he has gone through a lot, both physically and psychologically.

When local rescuers got the papers to retrieve him, they could see how bad his shape was.

His injuries were all signs of neglect and cruelty.

You would imagine a lion with sharp, strong teeth, but Güero’s were worn down to nubs after gnawing on the bars in his cage. He did so because he wanted to break free.

He also had a broken neck which his owners never cared to have treated.

At that state, Güero was close to death. Good thing help came his way.

The rescuers contacted The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado and flew Güero to Colorado.

There, he was under the care of Colorado State University, and most of their caregivers were all hands on deck to save this king of the jungle.

They transferred him to the sanctuary when he was fully recovered.

There, he felt the freedom he had always dreamed of, along with all the other rescued animals.

The doctors said he might only have 3-5 years to live, but they wanted him to have the best end-of-life possible.

Güero was like a new person in the sanctuary, enjoying his life there.

One day, the rescuers noticed that Güero found a new friend.

They posted a video on their Facebook page and narrated the heartwarming moment between him and his new friend.

As stated in the post, this massive creature enjoyed some whipped cream after his meal. It turned out he wasn’t the only one.

A tiny squirrel snuck in and tried to get his share of whipped cream.

A lion and a squirrel – now, that’s a different kind of friendship!

You might expect a lion to pounce on this little creature, but Güero just laid down, letting his little friend get a good taste.

The rescuers also said that the two had been sharing treats multiple times. Awww… how sweet!

Looking back at his experience, you might think Güero would close himself out.

Just when you thought his spirit was so broken, he surprised everyone in The Wild Animal Sanctuary that he’s still a softie.

He has made several friends there, but nothing beats this unique and sweet one with this little squirrel.

Gush over this video of Güero and his friend squirrel. It’s cuteness overload!

Source: The Wild Animal Sanctuary Facebook Page, Colorado State University Vimeo Channel, The Dodo