HELP BRING RUBEN HOME. 15-year-old lion Ruben was living alone in a private zoo in Armenia. Five years ago, the zoo closed, and the other animals were removed. But Ruben was left behind and his world went quiet. With your help, we can bring Ruben home to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa, to his native homeland and to the voices of other lions, his new lion community. Read more | Donate UK £ | Donate US $
Providing a peaceful, secure refuge, the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary gives abused, rescued animals, respect and a life of loving kindness, as close as possible to what nature intended.
Set in 455 acres, the environmentally friendly sanctuary, with four natural wells, solar-powered state-of-the-art security fencing and solar water pumps bringing fresh spring water to auto-filling troughs to each habitat, our residents have space to roam free.
Later this year, we plan to start developing the J. Jarie Jensen Veterinary Center, where we will be able to treat animals within the sanctuary in order to avoid needing to transport them when they are sick. We also hope to benefit from visiting veterinary students and specialists from across the world.
As well as lifelong care for rescued animals, this sanctuary campaigns to change the world for animals, through education and public awareness. Our on-site Jean Warner Sprague Education Center teaches the next generation about the needs of animals and threats they face – helping animals today and into the future.
Assisting governments with strategic support and enforcement of animal protection laws, Animal Defenders International conducts large-scale animal seizures including removing ALL circus animals; we have emptied circuses in Guatemala, Bolivia and Peru and taken the first group of Colombia’s circus animals, following circus bans in those countries. These rescue operations have global impact, raising awareness worldwide, and encouraging other governments to act.
Donate now to support our sanctuary for rescued circus animals.
Read the latest news from the Sanctuary
Tomas: From Guatemala to Africa
Tomas was loaded into a travel crate in Guatemala and stepped out of it in Africa. His life was about to transform.
Jade’s giant step
It was three years ago this week that Jade stepped from her travel crate at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary after an epic journey from Guatemala where she had been rescued from a circus.
Ruben health update
Ruben, the world’s loneliest lion who was left behind when a private zoo closed in Armenia, has begun his steps towards starting his new life at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary.
ADI Wildlife Sanctuary 