gifts

Ruben the cover star

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Everyone knows that Ruben is a star, but now he’s also the cover star of the ADI 2024 Animal Rescue Calendar and our new greeting cards – the perfect way to spread cheer this holiday season! He was rescued from years of isolation and confinement in a private zoo in Armenia that had shut down, all animals removed except him. For six lonely years, Ruben had not heard another lion, and fell silent. He arrived at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in August with difficulties walking and keeping his balance. The world watched as he wobbled out of his travel crate in his Keith’s Happiness Habitat and immediately played with his giant catnip punchbag. Now Ruben savors every bit of his new life at ADIWS, finding his voice again with his lion neighbors, enjoying catnip showers and all. His catnip-sprinkled mane in this calendar photo sums it up best.

2023 was certainly Ruben’s year…what will 2024 bring for this magnificent old warrior? Order your 2024 calendar today to support Ruben and our other rescued animals. Order US $ | UK £

Order your Ruben cards (packs of ten with envelopes), featuring his story of hope, resilience, and perseverance – the perfect message for the holidays. Order greeting cards US $ | UK £

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Cuddle up with an Easter Leo

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Easter symbolizes hope and new life, and that is very much the story of our rescued lions and tigers at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. Leo is the Sanctuary father figure and the most senior lion, at 19 years old. Leo was rescued and came to the ADIWS with mate Muñeca and their children Africa, Kiara, Rolex, Chino and Coco – we were told he was daddy to many of the lions in Peru’s circuses. As befits our most senior resident, we act quickly if King Leo has a potential health issue. Most recently, he seemed to be not liking his food and losing a little weight, so we scheduled a dental check for both Leo and Muñeca. In the meantime, we tried hand-feeding with tongs with a variety of foods, cut into small pieces – and feeding him twice a day. Leo picked up straight away, and it seems he likes to be hand fed. Understanding his message, we have adjusted our level of service to boutique hotel style with gold service for seniors!

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