Simba, along with his friend and other unfortunate animals, were rescued while being transported. Tightly packed in a small compartment of a "Gazelle" van during a severe frost, the animals miraculously survived. When they were rescued, they were all extremely weak and battered from the journey. The cramped cage and rough transport had taken their toll on Simba, who had large bleeding wounds on his forehead and nose from the bars. Simba seemed to sense the rescue and immediately made contact with the police officers who rescued him. 

Simba was probably born in captivity, so he's familiar with and unafraid of humans. The little lion cub enjoyed walking on people's hands, jumping on their shoulders, licking them happily when he met them, and acting like an adorable kitten. Much like his domestic cat relatives, Simba loves to play with various objects.