Lion 'Ruben' Transferred from Artsakh to Armenia Returns to Africa

The Wildlife and Cultural Heritage Preservation Foundation reports that a lion rescued from the former zoo in the Martakert region of Artsakh and transferred to Armenia on December 4, 2022, is returning to Africa.

"The lion named Ruben has never interacted with others of his species throughout his life. Today, on World Lion Day, we are pleased to announce that he is returning to his homeland, South Africa, to join others of his kind, where he will spend the remainder of his life. For the first time, his roars will echo in his natural habitat. This is an important and significant event.

We would like to extend our gratitude to Animal Defenders International for participating in this event and organizing the lion's safe return to his natural environment," the foundation's statement reads.