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A 15-year-old lion named Ruben spent several years completely alone in a cage at a private zoo in Armenia, from which all the animals except him were resettled. With the help of animal rights activists, he was transported to his historical homeland - South Africa, Arguments and Facts reported, citing People magazine.
Due to a long stay in a cramped cage and loneliness, the lion lost his health and voice. The lack of communication with their own kind has a particularly bad effect on lions - lions living in nature in prides are considered the most sociable of the cat family.
Animal Defenders International and Qatar Airways Cargo organized Ruben's transfer to a special reserve in South Africa. Looking at Ruben’s first hesitant steps across his native land, those present could not hold back their tears. At first, the lion walked, staggering and stumbling - due to the inability to fully move in the cage, his paws weakened. But the animal quickly returns to normal - Ruben even started playing with the toy that was brought with him and raising his voice.
In addition to Ruben, the reserve is home to more than 30 animals, including lions.