We did it!

Thanks to you, our fantastic supporters, Ruben is now safe in the land of his ancestors: Africa. As we watched Ruben take his first, magical steps onto South African soil on Friday morning, it made the trials and tribulations of the past 14 months worth it.

We were in Armenia for the countdown, finalizing his travel crate, and right up to take off we were facing obstruction, additional costs, and red tape.

Getting a flight was a huge problem. Then, thanks to Qatar Air Cargo’s ‘WeQare’ charity scheme, we had a flight. They swapped two standard passenger jets for two larger aircraft with hold doors large enough for his crate, and donated Ruben’s flights!

This was Ruben’s only chance. It would not only give him a better life, but the medical facilities he needs are in Africa. We could not let him down.

On Tuesday, Ruben was sedated and loaded into his travel crate, and we were off to Yerevan International Airport. Two flights, 15 hours, and countless checks on Ruben’s welfare later, we landed at Johannesburg International. ADI’s Jan and Tim were on the same flight as Ruben, but he was in the temperature-controlled, pressurized hold of the plane; us trying to get some sleep in the passenger section, our minds never drifting far from our precious cargo below. When we changed aircraft in Qatar, Ruben was moved into an air-conditioned vehicle and his water was topped off.

Unfortunately, we were not yet home – on arrival, Ruben had to be quarantined overnight before he could be released into our care. ADIWS veterinarian Dr Peter Caldwell was already in attendance at the airport, and we quickly decided to release him to Peter’s care overnight at Old Chapel Veterinary Hospital. This was an opportunity for Peter to examine Ruben properly and start to make a care plan.

Ruben will require intensive medical care for the rest of his life. We made him a ‘special needs’ habitat, where he can move around safely. Peter’s examination determined that Ruben has cataracts in both eyes which have crystalized, so he does not have much vision (there is no cure). He also has spondylitis, and Peter’s plan is to have him start moving around to see if this can be improved (Ruben has lived his life in tiny concrete and metal bar cages).

Then, the quarantine decision brought a moment of magic as Ruben came face-to-face with his own kind for the first time in six years. He sat eye-to-eye with Easy, one of our lionesses currently in the hospital.

When Ruben finally arrived at the sanctuary, he was exhausted and stayed in his travel crate where he felt safe. He heard the roars of Simba and Rey, the first voices of his own kind in all those years. He has not roared back yet – but he will.

And then … joy. The next day, Ruben was livelier. We watched with bated breath; intrigued, Ruben got to his feet and stepped out of his crate onto African soil. Our frail, elderly, yet so resilient lion, has stepped away from the horror of his past and onto the land of his ancestors. He is surrounded by the sights and sounds of other lions and native wildlife in his forever home. For the first time, there’s grass under his feet, the sun on his back, the African wind in his mane, and now, voices he understands.

He wobbled as he walked but explored everywhere, even going into his house, wide-eyed and happy. He played and played all day with a giant catnip bag, finally destroying it!

Watch Ruben take his first steps on African soil.

There are so many people we would like to thank for helping to make Ruben’s rescue possible, including Qatar Airways Cargo ‘WeQare’ charity scheme; Dr Peter Caldwell and his veterinary team at Old Chapel Veterinary Clinic; the Daily Mail’s Roger Allen, who first brought Ruben’s plight to our attention, and, of course, you – our wonderful supporters. Without your loyalty and devotion to this lonely old lion, none of this would have been possible. We cannot thank you enough.

And this isn’t the end of Ruben’s story. He will require lifelong special veterinary support. If you have been moved by his story, please consider making a donation (or an additional donation) to help Ruben enjoy something of the life he lost when his forebears were taken from the wild, to captivity in Armenia for human entertainment.

Please make a gift for Ruben’s care today and to help us save more like him.

You will remember our emergency appeal in June to sustain all ADI’s work. We still need your help. It makes the world of difference for animals like Ruben.