A life of severe confinement and poor nutrition has left Ruben with severe mobility problems. The 15-year old lion is being treated for spondylitis, inflammation of the spine and joints and may have other underlying issues. Before he left Armenia, he could barely take a couple of paces before his hind legs collapsed and he fell. However, thanks in a large part to this remarkable lion’s determination, since arriving at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary he has driven himself on and is walking further each day and doing better turning. This video, filmed in the last few days, shows that Ruben still has a long way to go, but the work improving the quality of his life is just beginning. Please note this is not a “Best of Ruben” video, the footage is selected to show supporters who are helping him the full range of his movement, the progress he is making, and the work still to do. This Kunduchi punchbag is pretty heavy, but Ruben carries it off with ease!

ADI veterinarian Dr Peter Caldwell who sedated and examined Ruben on his first day in South Africa will be checking his movement on Tuesday (see our Facebook page), and planning his care, as there are no plans to sedate him further, at this stage.

A huge thank you to all the ADI supporters who pulled together to bring Ruben home and a special mention for Keith Holmes who sponsored Ruben’s Habitat (Keith’s Happiness Habitat), and Sharon and Art Barber who sponsored Ruben’s latest giant punchbag and the heating in his house.