A Story Of A Lion Rescued From 6 Years Of Solitary Confinement In An Abandoned Zoo

Meet Ruben, a lion rescued from six years of solitary confinement in an abandoned zoo in Armenia

15-year-old cat earned the title of "World's Loneliest Lion" after being left alone in a private zoo that closed

While other animals were transferred from the facility, Ruben was the only one who remained in complete isolation

The ADI decided to rescue him and relocate him to a Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa

Securing a flight from Armenia was a major challenge, as ADI needed an aircraft with large enough cargo doors for Ruben's travel crate

Qatar Airways' WeQare charity scheme stepped in, scheduling a wide-bodied aircraft on one of their passenger routes and donating space on board for the lion

Finally, the date had been set, and on August 22nd, the cat embarked on the journey of his life

After completing all preparations, the ADI team in Armenia was ready to send Ruben off to his new home

The lion traveled comfortably in his specially designed transport container in the temperature-controlled, pressurized hold of the plane

Ruben's flight to freedom took 14 hours, including a change of aircraft in Doha

Finally, the rescued cat arrived in South Africa

For the first time in six years, he came face-to-face with Easy, a lioness from the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary

After all entry formalities were concluded, Ruben officially became a citizen of South Africa

Now, the cat has been transported to the final destination of his journey - ADI Wildlife Sanctuary

Ruben was looked after by the medical team at every point of his transfer

Weeks prior to the arrival of the new resident from Armenia, ADI made sure to create a perfect habitat for him, at their Wildlife Sanctuary

Once he arrived at his new home, he remained in his crate where he felt safe, had water, and ate some food

Ruben finally got to hear his fellow lions - Simba, Rey, and Kesari - roaring

The Lonely Lion from Armenia stepped onto African soil for the first time

After stepping out of his travel crate, he headed straight to the catnip bag and played – his first toy

The 15-year-old lion is being treated for spondylitis, an inflammation of the spine and joints, and may have other underlying issues

He is determined to walk around, even as his legs wobble, pushing himself forward

His roar is growing stronger and louder, as he listens to the roars of the residents next door

Six years of emptiness and loneliness have ended; now, Ruben has the company of his own kind nearby, walks on grass, and soaks in the African sun

There's still a long road to recovery, and perhaps, closer interaction with other cats, but there's no doubt he's on the right path to a happier life