Ruben the Lion Escapes Armenia, Flies 5200 Miles to New Life in South Africa

A fifteen-year-old lion named Ruben lived in solitary misery for years in an abandoned zoo in Armenia. The “world’s loneliest lion” has  found freedom at last in a South Africa sanctuary.

After the private zoo in Armenia shut down, all its animals found new homes except for one, according to the animal-rescue group Animal Defenders International. Ruben spent five years in a small concrete cell, alone, as his health deteriorated due to malnutrition and lack of exercise.

“Lions are the most sociable of the big cats, living in family prides in the wild,” ADI President Jan Creamer said in a statement. “So it must have been devastating for Ruben to have no contact or communication with other lions.”

Ruben was sprung from his cruel captivity at last and whisked to South Africa on a 5,200 flight to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in Free State. The old boy was checked out at a veterinary clinic in Pretoria while his new habitat at the sanctuary was equipped with ramps and guard rails to help him stay active safely as he regains mobility. He’ll share his new 455-acre space with 32 other rescued lions and tigers.

“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,” said Creamer, who added that Ruben's dour demeanor has improved dramatically, and he is no longer fearful.

Ruben’s journey, and his first steps in freedom, on video here. Help support his swank new lifestyle here.

Photo credit: Animal Defenders International