We are counting down to moving lonely Ruben, who has not heard another lion for over five years, from Armenia to his new life at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa. Once in South Africa, his suspected neurological and spinal problems can be assessed using advanced scanning technology.
At ADIWS we have designed a habitat to meet his special needs as he undergoes treatment, including a house with heated floor, a feeding camp with a special low-level platform and a half-acre natural habitat with a special platform with den underneath, where Ruben’s special needs are accommodated with grass slopes or gentle steps leading to the top of his viewing platform.
We know how important these platforms are for lions to enjoy surveying their kingdom and we didn’t want Ruben to be denied any fun! Guard rails will protect him from stumbling at the top, and he can access the den underneath from ground level. As we get to understand his abilities, we can give him access to the full 2.5 acres of his new home.
Best of all, Ruben will be across the road from Simba and Rey and friendly, vocal fellow ADIWS residents Kesari, Coco and Chino. We can’t wait for Ruben to hear the roars of other lions again!
ADI is funding Ruben’s care at a bear sanctuary run by FPWC in Armenia, while we await his CITES export documentation. Once we have that, we can begin organising his flight. Delays on a rehoming like this are out of our hands, so please help with the additional costs of his care in Armenia if you can. Meanwhile, we are ready and waiting to welcome Ruben to ADIWS!
ADI Wildlife Sanctuary 
I cannot wait for this day for Ruben.
I have been waiting.
God bless Ruben, God bless ADI.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are so excited for him and his new life that awaits!
LikeLike
How wonderful is this! He is so deserving of special attention for once in his life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely! He deserves all the care, comfort, compassion, and of course, the company of his own kind again.
LikeLike
This is fantastic news. Few are more deserving than this guy for some special attention.
LikeLike
It is wonderful how ADI staff and volunteers take such great care for these wonderful animals. And I am glad that Ruben can be part of this. His story is heart-wrenching as are the others. May his journey to South Africa be fruitful and happy.
LikeLike
My animal protection group in the Blue Mountains, was the first in Australia to have circuses with animals, banned from performing in our local government area. This began with an activist campaign in 1990, and was so successful, that now, circuses with animals are not permitted anywhere in the country. The lions from New South Wales went to an animal sanctuary at Dubbo, which has similar topography and climate to South Africa, where they have free and happy lives. What joy it will bring to see poor, dear Ruben is safely with you. I thank you with all my heart. Bob
LikeLike
Wonderful work! We hope more countries follow suit.
LikeLike
5/5/2023
Where is Ruben?
I am extremely concerned regarding Rubens whereabouts.
It was 4/2/23 when last I heard an update about Ruben.
I thought he was going to start his journey to ADI soon thereafter.
Has Ruben become to ill?
Is Ruben not able to travel after all?
Have plans changed for Ruben to join ADI?
Has something happened to Ruben?
You can easily see I am very upset for Ruben.
Please, please return me a comment on Rubens current status and update on whether he is joining ADI.
I donated money for Rubens transfer, so please keep this in mind and send me an update just as soon as you have the time.
I think of him so often and pray for his health to sustain this journey if it isn’t already too late for beautiful boy Ruben.
I’ll be anxiously awaiting your response/comment back to me.
Again, I thank you ADI for the all that you do for so many beautiful creatures.
Again.
LikeLike
Please see our response to your inquiry on the other post. In case you missed it, here’s the update: https://adiwildlifesanctuary.org.za/2023/05/16/help-ruben-roar/ As many of our followers know from our previous rescues and airlifts, the waiting period for import and export permits can take a long time. This is normal. Unfortunately it is out of our hands but thankfully, we finally received his export permit.
LikeLike