"World’s Loneliest Lion" Returns to Africa After Years Alone in Zoo

Summary

Ruben, a 15-year-old lion, was abandoned in a private zoo in Armenia for five years.
He was left behind in a tiny concrete cell and had no contact with other lions.
Ruben was rescued by Animals Defenders International (ADI) and Qatar Airways Cargo.
He was transported 5,200 miles to South Africa and is now being rehabilitated at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary.
Ruben is slowly regaining his strength and confidence. He has started to play with toys and his roar is getting louder.
The rescue was a complex operation that required a lot of coordination.

Additional Details

Ruben’s legs were wobbly at first due to malnutrition and a lack of exercise.
He has already started to get his roar back.
His whole demeanor has transformed. He is no longer fearful and is determined to walk.
Qatar Airways Cargo moved a larger aircraft with hold doors big enough for Ruben’s crate into the scheduled passenger route out of Yerevan.