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.