After enduring a staggering 15 years confined in a cramped cage, Ruben, a lion, has finally been liberated, marking the end of his solitary and distressing existence.
Held captive in dire conditions at a defunct private zoo near the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan, Ruben languished in isolation for five years as the only remaining animal on the premises.
Watch the video at the end.
Despite the relocation of other creatures, there was no space allocated for Ruben, revealed a spokesperson from Animal Defenders International (ADI), the organization spearheading his rescue mission.
Formerly owned by a Russian oligarch, the zoo’s closure prompted ADI to orchestrate a large-scale rescue effort to free the sad lion.
Following the operation, Ruben was transferred from his concrete enclosure to a temporary quarantine facility within an Armenian sanctuary as part of ongoing preparations to relocate him to his permanent home in South Africa.
In stark contrast to his previous confinement, according to ADI, Ruben now resides in a heated night house with a comfortable hay bed and access to a small wild outdoor area, providing him with more space than he has ever known.
However, his physical condition remains concerning, with severely matted fur, decaying teeth, and indications of a neurological ailment, possibly stemming from a previous injury.
Despite these challenges, ADI remains optimistic about Ruben’s prospects for recovery and eventual relocation to their wildlife sanctuary in Africa.
Plans are underway to provide him with advanced medical treatment and dental care upon his arrival, ensuring he receives the specialized attention he requires.
Ruben’s impending journey to South Africa has garnered widespread attention, prompting a discreetly coordinated rescue operation to avoid political sensitivities in the region.
With the support of the former oligarch’s family, who sought a better life for Ruben, the logistics for his relocation are being meticulously arranged, encompassing permit applications, crate construction, habitat preparation, and travel arrangements.
Upon his arrival at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, Ruben will be greeted by a multi-section habitat designed to accommodate his evolving needs as he regains mobility.
Equipped with modified platforms and enrichment items tailored to his rehabilitation, Ruben will have the opportunity to interact with other lions and tigers within the sanctuary, fostering a sense of community and companionship.
Through its decades-long commitment to animal welfare, ADI has successfully rescued hundreds of animals from captivity, including lions and tigers, from circuses worldwide.
Ruben’s journey symbolizes a triumph of compassion and resilience, offering hope for a brighter future free from the shackles of captivity.
