Our thanks to everyone sending love for Ruben. Currently he is spending most of his time in his den in his main habitat. He is still struggling to walk following his seizure but manages to come out of his den in the mornings, with some stumbles or falls. He enjoys the morning sun, returns inside to the coolness of his den to sleep in the heat of the day, and comes out again as the day cools. This is not unlike his usual routine except that his mobility is very limited again. Twice a day, the Resident Welfare Team drives into his habitat to give him first his medication and then his dinner, which is thrown in front of him so that he can reach it. He is alert and looks interested as soon he hears the vehicle, and has a good appetite, eating his full meal. To boost his hydration, we are giving him the ice lollies he loves, which include blood, glucose and electrolytes. We have also given him an additional lower drinking bowl. He is effectively on bed rest, and everything is being done to ensure he rests and recovers.

It is now seven months since Ruben, the lonely lion from Armenia, arrived at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. Once trepid and cautious, Ruben now looks completely relaxed and happy, especially. Following veterinarian Dr Caldwell’s approval, Ruben now has access to his larger half-acre habitat. The additional, more challenging space provides good physiotherapy for Ruben, building his muscles and improving his mobility. Dr Caldwell also said the level of care we provide for Ruben is also good for his mental health.

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Ruben, the lonely lion rescued from a private zoo in Armenia, has been enjoying the recent expansion of his habitat at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa. Ruben arrived with severe difficulty walking due to spinal problems caused by poor diet and confinement. With veterinary treatment, supplements and physiotherapy thanks to his enthusiastic play with different toys such as catnip bags, Ruben’s mobility has improved significantly. There is still a long way to go, but at a January veterinary assessment, it was decided Ruben was ready for an additional half acre of more challenging space – with longer grass in places and slopes to climb to a platform. Recently, he has been using this more and more, sleeping under the platform and watching Max and Stripes (who have been captivated by seeing their neighbor up close).