Ruben, the world’s loneliest lion, has returned to his natural habitat in Africa after he was abandoned in a private zoo in Armenia for five years.
The 15-year-old lion, who was so lonely that he lost his roar, was left behind at the zoo when it closed. All the other lions were relocated, but Ruben was trapped in a tiny concrete cell.
Ruben has now made the 5,200-mile journey from Armenia to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in Free State, South Africa.
The trip was organised by Animals Defenders International (ADI) and Qatar Airways Cargo through its WeQare charity initiative.
“After his long journey, we finally saw him step from his travel crate onto African soil, play enthusiastically with a giant catnip toy, and heard his roar grow a little louder with each day,” said the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary.
“Due to a lifetime of poor nutrition, he has spondylitis, an inflammatory disease which can cause bones to fuse, exacerbated by confinement and lack of exercise, leaving his legs weak. This causes him difficulty walking and his spine is arched,” it added.
ADI Wildlife Sanctuary veterinarian Dr Peter Caldwell has examined Ruben and prescribed vitamins, minerals and supplements to support his body.
With more space than he has ever known, Ruben’s mobility “is already improving”, said the sanctuary. “His face and demeanor have transformed as he has relaxed.” Additionally, his roar has returned.
Ruben’s roar returns in sanctuary
“Seeing him walk on grass for the first time, hearing the voices of his own kind, with the African sun on his back, brought us all to tears,” ADI president Jan Creamer told the Independent.
Elsewhere, Lolita the orca has died after being held captive for more than 50 years at the Miami Seaquarium just as plans were progressing to release her to her home waters.
Anyone interested in supporting Ruben’s care at the sanctuary can donate here.
Images courtesy of ADI Wildlife Sanctuary
