World's Loneliest Lion Arrives in South Africa from Armenia Zoo

Watch Ruben the lion take his first wobbly steps after years in a zoo, the last five of which he was all alone in a tiny concrete cell as the zoo closed and all the other animals were relocated. Thanks to an epic journey across the world organised by Animals Defenders International (ADI) and Qatar Airways Cargo, Ruben’s rehabilitation at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary (ADIWS) in Free State, South Africa has begun.
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[@AuntieNay]

So sad what he was put through, but it makes my heart so happy knowing his future will be so much better. Thank you to all involved in helping Reuben. He's beautiful.

[@trinimartinez225]

Pobrecito es muy bonito ahora es feliz😢

[@faisalbadat]

wow hats out to these incredible humans who helped. Just wondering in time would Reuben be introduced to a friend.

[@Helen-ml3pu]

Welcome to your new home and life, Ruben. This is the start of something great. This is what you deserve. Love, attention, care, plenty of sunshine and food and friends. I can't wait to see his reaction when he roars and he gets many answers. He deserves the best life ever. Just like all of the beautiful creatures on this planet. LET'S EMPTY THE CAGES WORLDWIDE.

[@annatjienilsen539]

The problem with that is that captured animals need proper rehabilitation to survive in a natural habitat. Most captured animals sadly will not survive and therefore will always be in a captured environment just a more natural environment with enough room to explore and roam more freely

[@susanlindauer2434]

Looks like this beautiful beast is not accustomed to walking very far. God Bless everybody who contributed to saving this creature.

[@huascar66]

The cruelty of humans against other species never fails to astound or depress me. I appreciate that ADI was able to get Ruben to their sanctuary. I pray that Ruben has peace and comfort in his final years. Bless you all.

[@nortcrusader]

We want more videos from Ruben!!!

[@alwaysfourfun1671]

The abuse by humans written all over him. Thanks ADIWS for your compassion and perseverence. I hope Ruben will be able to savour quality time on earth.

[@DonQuixote547]

Thank you all involved for getting this wonderful beast back to where he belongs. I pray that his life gets better and better.🙏

[@pincus1979]

Happy that there are people who care.❤

[@lou-gj3wn]

He is beautiful. Thanks to all who participated in the rescue.

[@willowbrooke1215]

Can we please have future updates

[@youme1414]

It looks like this lion has been fed grasses all his life. I hope South Africans can go and hug it to welcome it home. This lion deserves love and hugs.

[@terrymckay8965]

This is a story I really want to follow. Please give us updates as this dear lion progresses. Thanks.

[@cambridgeratmom]

Ruben, you look so much happier, relaxed, engaged. It's all good from here.

[@homemakersheart3614]

Rueben you are doing a great job!! Proud of you.

[@maxi6542]

He’s still just a big kitten that wants to play. He needs companionship

[@mirkkasalo5868]

Bless you Ruben the Lion and all who helped you and bless all the animals ❤

[@Helen-ml3pu]

Watching this for the 6th time and every time I cry from happiness. Seeing the Loneliest Lion in the world finally come to his new home. Thank You from the bottom of my heart ADI and Qatar Airways for saving Ruben and bringing him to the sanctuary where he will have companionship and love and care. And Thank You to all of the wonderful people that donated time and money making all of this and the other rescues possible.

[@dominiqueparisi4618]

Thank you for saving and returning him home boy guy ❤

[@tigera6681]

handsome / majestic creature wobbles, mixed feeling, poor ruben he went thru a lot, i hope he can run & roar in near future.

[@hisbeloved10]

I hope his existence will soon be outside this chain link fence and that this enclosure is only temporary. His prior life sadly shows. So happy he was taken from his life of hell. Thank you ADI. Hoping to see he gets more room to roam outside this chain link fence soon.

[@mirkkasalo5868]

I hope a lovely female for your friend, Ruben (maybe a young one or another lonely one) 🦁🐅🙏🍀

[@lesliejackson149]

Alas, Ruben passed away last month (April 2024). At least in his final months, on ancestral soil, he was surrounded by those who loved and respected him.... to the end.

[@suzyschwarz7023]

Breaks my heart the poor Lion could hardly walk. I pray he will finally have some happiness in natural surroundings for years to come ❤

[@karherineware3508]

This lion is so magnificently beautiful! I hope he adjusts and thrives in his new home!

[@Nayomie17]

Aww thank God for all who take the time to save Ruben and giving him second chance in life . Just sad how people just abandoned him like that.

[@MarniTheViking]

Ruben's captors should be put in the concrete cell he was forced to live in. This poor boy. Look how skinny he is but oh how my heart is made glad to see him back with his people and away from humans again! Long may you live, Simba! Have lots and lots of cubs!

[@stevens5541]

One of the most handsome lion faces I've seen.... magnificent animal. I can't grasp what thought process goes through people's minds when they are ok with animals suffering....no amount of money could make me want to make an animal go through suffering.

[@iagnesstoltz2874]

How a magnificent he is! So glad he will get to live free and happy! Thanks so much for giving him the freedom that he deserves!🙏❤️

[@helenahandkart1857]

So great seeing him play, & have a little roar, & even beginning to walk more confidently. Great work!🙏💚

[@sawsannafe6579]

Thank you all for saving him from a bad place 😭😭😭 so sad to see an beautiful animals are hurt by an Evil humans!!.

[@siegridthomas9674]

The wind blowing through his fur must be wonderful for him...have a wonderful life

[@jpjp455]

Thank you so much ADI for saving this beautiful lion !!! I hope he will has peace and comfort for the rest of his life !!! Seeing him walking and his sad face makes me cried … ❤❤❤ him ! Please give us an update on him!

[@anthonyclark6454]

What a beautiful animal.. glad he is free now ...

[@firstname3352]

Welcome home big boy. ♥️

[@wolfesound]

People abusing animals need to get long prison sentences.

[@litaramjatan1364]

Agree 100%🦁💝

[@wandacarter8646]

beautiful to know that Ruben has been rescued but not seeing any evidence that he is any less lonely - no concrete - great - what next - and I know am jumping ahead of a very long journey of rehabilitaion

[@user467htr34]

By far the most beautiful lion I've ever seen ❤❤

[@ddtafricangirl2583]

A magnificent animal with a gentle spirit. I look forward to seeing him bond with the other lions.

[@beatrizdepaz9506]

Precioso. Espero que lo quede de vida, lo disfrute. Se le ve tranquilo, jugando, descansando, oliendo todos esos olores, sintiendo en sus patas la tierra y la hierva. Su melena es increible.

[@WindTurbineSyndrome]

Thank you Cargo Qatar Airlines for getting Ruben to South Africa. Thank you ADI. Happy New Year. Ruben is living his senior years in a proper environment with enrichment and veterinarian care for his ankylosing Spondylitis. He loves his catnip ball and sleeping in the sunshine.

[@savannahjames-ke9sx]

So beautiful Ruben ❤️ welcome home to South Africa you will feel your old self you will get your mojo back ❤️

[@troubledspirit3328]

Such absolutely beautiful creatures. Magnificent beasts.

[@fredawmusic9631]

Well done Animals Defenders International. May God bless everyone of you.

[@timetravelingjukebox]

Im so glad he's back home 😭❤️ i cant imagine what it must have been like! We need to continue saving more wildlife from unsafe environments!

[@litaramjatan1364]

Dankjewel❤💔💔💔💔😢😭💓💘👏🦁❤🦁GOD BLESS

[@beroukhiaeliana2435]

Il a une crinière flamboyante et bien fournis son visage est exceptionnellement beau!!!❤ longue et heureuse vie a toi Ruben 🙏

[@Lieu10antDan]

You didn't lose hope old boy. Well done. Great effort.

[@payal9455]

Im so happy for you reuben finally u r freed from human made enclosure.. To live a cage free life in your own natural habitat where you belong

[@gillc9773]

Thank you for all you are doing for this magnificent creature. God bless you all ❤

[@lanzita100]

I hope he builds a beautiful family 🦁🦁🦁🦁.

[@michaeldamico9592]

Hope he loves his new home..!! Hope he gets a girlfriend or a buddy for company..!! He’s such a handsome fellow..!! 💕🐾💕🐾💕🐾🦁❤️

[@sugoomarichatu1957]

Ur organisation is God sent for all these animals They were in such horrible conditions u all give them a better lease on life Qatar airways is doing such a wonderful job God bless them and all of u for rescuing everyone of these beautiful animals

[@lanzita100]

Beautiful baby 🦁.

[@phuongluong9542]

He is beautiful. I love him so much my heart opened wide.

[@havasuhouse]

Thank you both ! for being the exception to humans! who are without a doubt the Cruelest animals inhabiting this planet! Thank you, thank you, think you❤❣️❣️

[@jezzer268]

It seems like he's walking a bit better.with the space and enrichment play hopefully he can some what get his balance and bearings back. Great work.

[@michaelwhite8069]

A beautiful male lion.....so happy for him.....how old is he ...hope he’s got many years left to enjoy his life....maybe even put a female lioness with him for companionship.....great work guys...these creatures are magnificent and should be treated as such.....🥰🥰🥰

[@laricearoman7695]

This is wonderful!

[@WONDERFULREPTILES]

THE BEST LION LIKE AND RESPECT AMAZING

[@pilardelosgatos8267]

Thank you ❤Ruben❤

[@lauren7558]

I am so thrilled that ADI got him back to SA however it still looks like he is going to be lonely. What are the next plans for him?

[@solar6120]

The fact that he kissed the ground. Let me tell you. That African air hit different. Take these animals back to their home lands

[@tyrannicaltypomichaeltester]

Happy hes put of that place

[@michaelfearon1279]

As he walks out of a pub on a Saturday night........enjoy your new life

[@beep216]

This is so wonderful to see!I hope he gets to meet some lionesses one day.Poor thing is now going to be happy which makes me so happy!

[@leopardtiger1022]

All those kind souls who saved this lion from the concrete cell are blessed by God. There are so many such sad cases in the world where zoos are torturing majestic lions tigers elephants... You can see them in the Arabian Gulf countries in India and Bengladesh... Humans are cruelest species...

[@Zebedee_Donna]

Beautiful boy 💟

[@youme1414]

Welcome home, brother lion!

[@CR-yn5sy]

Can we please have an update on Rubens new life now he is free... See his improvement

[@louizadutoit5427]

Heart breaking!!😢

[@blackprawn900]

its a bloody disgrace how they treat animals in Europe

[@salvolondon]

I think you meant asia

[@MarniTheViking]

Asia too!@@salvolondon

[@bernadettedebeer2992]

Under the african skies where he belongs ❤

[@lalocaBoricua]

His story breaks my heart poor baby

[@cher3256]

Hi Ruben wish we could see an update of you playing with your catnip beautiful boy!❤❤❤❤❤🐾🐾💋💋💋💋❤

[@sherryhudson6879]

I love you Reuben!!😩💕❤️🌸🌺

[@sulakchanadhikari7302]

Have nice and enjoy coming days

[@johnnycrash3270]

I am so sad that us humans exploited you RUBAN! HAPPY NOW YOU CAN ENJOY 🤩SOME FREEDOM KEEP THOOSE LEGS MOVING HAVE FUN🤗GOD BLESS YOU RUBAN🙏🙏❤❤😻😻 NEXT VIDEO I WATCH ❤TO SEE YOU RUNNING AROUND 👌👍

[@SallySallySallySally]

OMG. Ruben is so magnificent! I guess there isn't a big market for those huge bags of Kunduchi catnip. It's not listed in their catalog! This reminds me of the horrible story about Ivan, the gorilla that was condemned to live for 27 years in a 14' x 14' enclosure at a shopping center in Tacoma, Washington. After he was freed from his tortuous tenure there, he did manage to get 18 years of a better life in more suitable surroundings at a couple of accredited zoological parks.

[@AbhishekGupta-hs8nh]

Good bless Ruben ❤

[@PamelaTaylor-hy8qv]

I do hope he can have company and start to live a life with more normality,a female may help when he is more settled into his new life ,bless him he’s coordination should improve with more exercise,lovely boy needs spoiling now to finish his days with a quality life ❤❤❤

[@unathinkomo5858]

He should stay we're happy to have him🇿🇦💜

[@neilnewby1558]

Love him

[@Dumballa]

Yes!! 👏🏻

[@winonalovers]

Will he ever get to a bigger space???

[@LavoyaSearcy-wz2tp]

Where are the other lions? He definitely needs a companion!!

[@starlight7159]

We like a update ❤

[@ruthgunn2487]

BLESSINGS ❤❤❤❤MAGNIFICENT

[@tmaktmak1464]

Solace in a pumpkin and a bag of hay. Life is real

[@explorewithme602]

Welcome Home Buddy ❤️💋💕🐱. The King is home 💞

[@daleastiles]

Still looks lonely. No people interacting, no animals in any of the other enclosures. Just... a bag of hay and a pumpkin. Sad.

[@sarahm5936]

Integrating Ruben the Lion into a larger area with other lions would be a complex but potentially achievable goal. The decision would depend on various factors including Ruben's improving health condition, his socialization skills, and the resources available for ongoing care. Experts in veterinary medicine and animal behavior would need to carefully evaluate these aspects to determine if such a move would be beneficial for Ruben and safe for other lions in the sanctuary. Based on the information provided, it appears that Ruben the Lion's quality of life has substantially improved since his relocation to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa. He has gone from years of isolation in a confined space to a sanctuary where he is receiving specialized veterinary care for his medical conditions. Additionally, the sanctuary has provided him with more space to move, as well as enrichment activities like toys. His demeanor has reportedly transformed, showing signs of relaxation and determination rather than fear. While challenges remain, particularly concerning his mobility issues due to spondylitis, the early signs indicate that his new environment is significantly better for his well-being.

[@tildenh]

What should day 1 of rehoming look like? Should he be overstimulated? Astonishing how people always find the negatives

[@lifehappens587]

@@tildenhWELL…. The title reads … Worlds Loneliest Lion! So naturally people were expecting some kind of interaction between the lonely lion, and another lion 🙄

[@heshanijayasinghe2533]

God bless you ❤

[@dominicmallari1161]

My heart

[@aliabrown6367]

Are his joints sore from his previous containment? Is this old age? Hope he’s doing better every day!

[@3pipper]

Why is it that the human species is the only species that is not noble… how majestic and noble this lion is… I hate these clips as they make my eyes water and heart hurt far too much… Bless Qatar and the ADi….

[@MyZABOZA]

Bravo

[@user-vd4zx4qh3x]

I love you

[@fionasaunders7646]

Gorgeous Ruban , he needs a shampoo and careful brushing . Go well Big Boy

[@winnifredforbes1114]

The poor thing can barely walk! Now he needs a playmate!😇

[@CarmenRodriguez-ze2xg]

Please bring him company dont let him alone. Many thanks

[@TrudyFitzpatrick-wl6vs]

Just look at what they did to this poor lion by doing nothing for years! Let's hope the damage can be fixed. Shame on them

[@rerereiiirrrthaaaa]

❤🙏🏻

[@janetprendergast4662]

When will he get his first meal 😢