Ruben in hospital

As supporters know, Ruben has been struggling to walk again since his seizure and we have been discussing the possible causes with our veterinarian, Dr. Peter Caldwell. Ruben arrived at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary last year with degenerative neuropathy and spondylitis which were causing him severe difficulties walking, losing balance, and stumbling. This is due to malnutrition and poor care throughout his life, combined with confinement and inbreeding. Ruben is a senior lion at 16 years old.

This morning, Ruben was less mobile and seemed dispirited. He has had good days and less good days, but has previously been in good spirits, engaged and pleased to see his carers. Peter examined Ruben and has speculated on two possible reasons for the seizure – either it is part of the ongoing degeneration of the nervous system or spine (the scale of any damage will be key to treatment) or inflammation, which he is optimistic we can treat. So Ruben has been sedated and taken into hospital for an MRI and Peter will take the opportunity to do a closer physical examination of his spine. This will give us a full diagnosis and a decision can be made on treatment.

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Ruben update

Ruben is slowly recovering from his seizure but is not yet fully mobile, his balance has been affected. Despite it all, he seems in good spirits, is responsive to his carers, and has a good appetite. He is living in his outdoor den and comes out to sit in the sunshine. Ruben’s food and medicine is being delivered to him on the end of a stick, from the truck, twice a day. We slowly drive into the habitat to feed him and top up his water. Ruben is being incredibly calm, gentle, and cooperating with our Resident Welfare Team. He appears to understand we are trying to help.

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Great news: She’s coming home!

Meet beautiful, shy, lioness Aziza, who has just hitched a ride on an ADI flight to freedom with five other lions from Kuwait.

When Jan and Tim visited Kuwait to begin preparations for the relocation of five young lions rescued from the illegal pet trade to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa, they learned of another lioness, Aziza. As always, we could not leave anyone behind. Of course, she had to come.

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Ruben enjoys some watermelon

Dr Caldwell continues to warn we must be patient and Ruben’s recovery could be a slow process after a seizure which left him struggling to walk. He remains positive that Ruben can get back to where he was, it will just take time. Ruben is being fed in his den in his main habitat. He is taking his medication and the ADIWS team are doing everything they can to boost his fluid intake. He has an extra water bowl, electrolytes and glucose are injected into his food, he has ice lollies providing extra fluids and electrolytes, and he is enjoying one of his favorites, watermelon. Ruben remains responsive and engaged and has been leaving his den to defecate and move around small distances. Thank you for all the love being sent in the direction of this warrior as he faces this latest challenge.

To help support Ruben’s care, donate here or order Ruben apparel here.

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Regal Rey

It’s officially fall/autumn at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa. Normally, the grass is green now but, as you can see around Rey, after several exceptionally hot and dry weeks it already looks like a golden, winter landscape.

This year will mark the tenth anniversary of the rescue of Rey from a circus in Peru. Lion Lovers Facebook group decided to sponsor Rey’s rescue – his removal from the circus, care in Peru, travel crate, flight etc. – Lion Lovers Lane leading to and several other habitats is named in their honor. Would you like to coordinate a special fundraising drive for one of the Kuwait6 lions?