Reuben, the world’s loneliest lion has returned to his natural home in South Africa after spending five years alone in a private zoo in Armenia.

The 15-year-old king of the jungle was originally a part of the pride at the Armenian Zoo, but the other members were sold and relocated. Reuben was left in a concrete cell without any of his kind and lost his roar.

Thanks to Animals Defenders International and Qatar Airways Cargo, Reuben has made the 5,200-mile journey back to his ancestral homeland. He is now undergoing rehabilitation at the ADI Sanctuary in Free State, South Africa.

At first, ADI was unable to find the proper flight out of Armenia for the lion, but Qatar Airways was able to provide a plane with cargo hold doors large enough to accommodate Reuben.

“Lions are the most sociable of the big cats, living in family pride in the wild, so it must have been devastating for Reuben to have no contact or communication with other lions. Seeing him walk on grass for the first time, hearing the voices of his kind, with the African sun on his back brought us to tears,” ADI President Jan Creamer stated.

Reuben has displayed strong perseverance during his rehabilitation, at first his legs wobbled from malnutrition and years of no exercise. He has enjoyed playing with his first toy which is a catnip punching bag.

“His whole demeanor has transformed; his face is relaxed and no longer fearful. His determination to walk is inspiring, if he stumbles or falls, he just picks himself up and keeps going. He is nothing short of heroic,” Creamer said.

Regarding Reuben’s future, Creamer stated, “We know this will be a long road and will require ongoing veterinary treatment, but the start of his new life could not have been better.”