This time last year, Ruben was playing with and even devouring pumpkins! A reminder of how this brave lion seized life at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary and savored every experience and treat.

Rescued from a closed-down zoo in Armenia, he arrived at ADIWS with serious health issues, barely able to muster a few steps without falling. In seven glorious months he drove himself on to walk, climb the slope in his habitat, roar with other lions, sleep under the African stars, and play.

His time with us was too short but reminds us all that for animals rescued from suffering every day of freedom is precious.