‘World’s loneliest lion’ back in natural habitat: ‘Brought us all to tears’
He’s back to being the mane attraction.
Fifteen-year-old lion Ruben has finally returned to his natural habitat after five years trapped in a concrete cell — growing so lonely in the process that he lost his roar, per SWNS.
The lion was left behind at an abandoned zoo in Armenia after its owner passed away, and the other animals were relocated — except for him, according to Animal Defenders International.
Now, Ruben has been offered a second chance at life after making the 5,200-mile journey from Armenia to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in Free State, South Africa.
ADI President Jan Creamer said seeing Ruben take his first steps brought them all “to tears.”
“Lions are the most sociable of the big cats, living in family prides in the wild,” Creamer explained. “So it must have been devastating for Ruben to have no contact or communication with other lions.”
“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,” Creamer continued.
The amazing journey was aided by Qatar Airways Cargo, which stepped in with its “WeQare” charity initiative.
Qatar provided an aircraft with hold doors big enough for Ruben’s crate.
When Ruben arrived, his legs wobbled as he suffered from malnutrition and lack of exercise — but just being at the sanctuary for a short time has already had an impact on his behavior.
“His whole demeanor has transformed, his face is relaxed and no longer fearful,” Creamer said. “His determination to walk is inspiring.”
“If he stumbles or falls, he just picks himself up and keeps going,” she added. “He is nothing short of heroic.”
Ruben exhibited this amazing resilience as soon as he stepped out of his travel crate.
Immediately, he started playing with what’s being called his first toy — a giant catnip punching bag.
And, he has even started to get his roar back, as he is now surrounded by other lions.
“Incredibly, in just a few days, his movement is already improving,” Creamer said.
“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.”
