“World’s Loneliest” Lion Arrives In New Sanctuary Home After Five Years Alone

THINK

Sep 14

Ruben the lion is now safe and recovering after being kept on his own in a tiny concrete cell at an abandoned zoo in Armenia for half a decade.

The “world’s loneliest lion” has taken his first steps in a new sanctuary home after spending over five years in solitary confinement at an abandoned zoo.

Ruben the lion was the only animal left at a private zoo in Armenia after it closed. Whilst all of the zoo’s other animals were relocated, Ruben was left behind and kept in a tiny concrete cell where he has lived for the last five years.

Now, a rescue mission by campaign group Animal Defenders International (ADI) has successfully relocated 15-year-old Ruben to the ADI wildlife sanctuary in Free State, South Africa.

At his new sanctuary home, Ruben will require a lifetime of specialist care after his years of solitary confinement have left him with neurological and physical issues.

However, the team at ADI have already noted the lion’s determination and response to his new life: he soon strode from his travel crate and immediately began playing with a giant catnip punchbag - his first toy.

Ruben with his catnip punchbag toy. Credit: ADI

Lions are known as the most sociable of the big cats, and Ruben will now be able to hear and communicate with other lions in the sanctuary for the first time in years.

“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, said of Ruben’s arrival at the sanctuary.

And Ruben has now slowly begun to get his roar back, too, with his new carers explaining that his morning calls have steadily been getting louder as he regains his confidence.

Over time, the team are hopeful that the lion’s health and mental wellbeing can continue to improve. Ongoing veterinary treatment will help speed up his recovery, where his past confinement and malnutrition have left him with difficulty walking, particularly his hind legs which wobble and buckle beneath him.

Ruben initially stayed close to his travel crate until he was confident to explore his new habitat. Credit: ADI

But his movement has already shown signs of improvement within the first few days of stepping out into his new sanctuary habitat, which has been specially designed with ramps up to platforms and guard rails.

“His whole demeanor has transformed; his face is relaxed and no longer fearful”, ADI’s Creamer added. “His determination to walk is inspiring. If he stumbles or falls, he just picks himself up and keeps going. He is nothing short of heroic.”

“We know this will be a long road and will require ongoing veterinary treatment, but the start of his new life could not have been better.”

To follow Ruben’s story and donate to his lifelong care in his new sanctuary home, visit Animal Defenders International website here.

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