RUBEN: World’s loneliest lion lands at OR Tambo

“The only world Ruben has ever known was one of concrete and bars, just a few feet wide. He had never touched a blade of grass."

Since his arrival in South Africa, Ruben has revelled in the delights of being on African soil.

After years of living alone in Armenia, Ruben, hailed as the world’s loneliest lion, was returned to South Africa.

Through the efforts of Animal Defenders International (ADI) Ruben landed at OR Tambo International Airport on August 23.

Ruben is a third-generation captive-bred lion who was one of the attractions at a privately owned zoo.

When the owner of the zoo died six years ago, all the other animals were rehomed, but there was nowhere for Ruben to go.

Ruben in Armenia.

“For years, when Ruben roared, no one answered and he eventually lost his roar.

“The only world Ruben has ever known was one of concrete and bars, just a few feet wide. He had never touched a blade of grass.

“He watched as life outside carried on and the world passed him by,” said ADI’s Jan Creamer.

After a 15-hour journey by plane from Armenia to South Africa and a further three-hour trip by road, Ruben arrived at his new home at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in the Free State.

ADI’s Jan Creamer next to Ruben’s crate.

“Ruben is doing well and enjoying his space at the sanctuary,” said Creamer in an exclusive interview with the Kempton Express.

“He’s playing with his catnip toys and we are positive that Ruben is going to blossom at ADI.”
Creamer added Ruben had also seen the other lions at the sanctuary.

Also read: Ruben is home at last

“For the first time in many years, Ruben let out a little roar.”

She said everyone at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary had hoped to hear Ruben roar again.

“He is a big boy and when he finally builds up the confidence again to roar, he is going to have a really big roar,” said Creamer.

Ruben is prepped to leave Armenia.

As a result of Ruben’s life in a cage and a poor diet, he has been left with several health issues and his first stop after landing at OR Tambo was a visit to the vet in Pretoria.

“He lived in conditions that could not be more unsuitable for a lion.

“Ruben’s vet confirmed he has very little eyesight left following the crystallisation of cataracts in both his eyes.

“There is not much we can do about it but we have noticed he has been tracking the movements of the other lions who live across from him, so he can see shapes,” said Creamer.

In addition, Ruben’s life in captivity, poor nutrition and a lack of exercise took its toll on Ruben’s bones and spine.

“We are confident that with the right diet and exercise, Ruben will start feeling much better soon and he will regain some of his movement,” said Creamer.

Not many cargo flights land in Armenia and Qatar arranged for a passenger aircraft with larger doors to accommodate Ruben’s custom-built travel crate.

Getting Ruben to South Africa was a long, strict and complicated process

Ruben needed to be microchipped and have regular veterinary health checks with accompanying certificates and import and export permits from CITIES in Armenia and South Africa.

“It took eight months to finalise the documentation before we could get Ruben on a flight home.”

Also read: KNP traffic jam as lioness carries cub to new den

Qatar Airways stepped in through its Qatar Cares Programme and arranged a cargo flight for Ruben.

“Not many cargo flights land in Armenia and Qatar arranged for a passenger aircraft with larger doors to accommodate Ruben’s custom-built travel crate,” Creamer said.

Ruben at Yerevan Airport in his custom-built crate.

In Doha Ruben’s flight was changed and Qatar once again stepped up when they supplied an air-conditioned truck for Ruben to wait in while his final flight was prepared.

“Qatar looked after Ruben well. Ruben was awake and calm throughout the journey.

“He watched everyone around him, it was clear he felt secure and happy,” said Creamer.

Since his arrival in South Africa, Ruben had revelled in the delights of being on African soil.

“He enjoys sitting in the sun and listening to the birds and other wildlife around him.

Ruben takes his first steps on grass after living his entire life in a concrete cage.

“He also enjoys the chorus of lion song every morning and evening from the other rescued lions,” said Creamer.

She added that Ruben’s recovery would be slow but it will be at his pace.

Creamer is confident that with the right nutrition and care, Ruben will begin to build muscles.

“He’s a lovely boy. Ruben’s face has changed since his arrival and he has light back in his eyes.”

Residents can adopt Ruben to help with his care for his remaining years by visiting www.ADI.org

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