According to SWNS, 15-year-old lion Ruben has finally been returned to his natural habitat after being trapped in a concrete cage for 5 years. This is also the lion dubbed “the loneliest in the world” after being abandoned at an abandoned zoo in Armenia.
Ruben was left behind after his owner died. The other animals were relocated, except for Ruben, who was locked in a concrete cage. The loneliness caused the lion to lose his roar.
Ruben has now been given a second chance at life after making a journey of more than 8,300 km from Armenia to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in the Free State, South Africa. This was a big event at the sanctuary, causing emotion for those who witnessed it as Ruben was finally able to return to the wild.
“Lions are the most sociable big cats, living in packs in the wild. So Ruben’s inability to communicate or interact with other lions is devastating,” said the president of ADI. “The first time we saw Ruben walking on the grass and heard the voices of his fellow lions, we all cried.”
According to SWNS, the lion’s legs were wobbly due to malnutrition and lack of exercise for a long time. However, Ruben is now recovering with a completely changed attitude, a more relaxed face and no longer afraid.