Tiger Airlifted to Happy Retirement Home After Decade in Grim Circus

After spending more than a decade with an abusive traveling circus in Peru, Hoover the tiger is about to kick back, relax, and enjoy his retirement.

Hoover was airlifted on Friday from where he was confiscated in Peru to an animal sanctuary known as Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, Florida. His new enclosure is equipped with a spring-fed lake, trees, grass, space to romp, and veterinarians on stand-by to assist in Hoover’s recovery.

RELATED: Monarch Butterfly Population More Than Triples Over Last Year

Thanks to a two-year investigation of circus related wildlife cruelty by the Animal Defenders International, Peru banned wild animal acts nationally in 2012.

Operation Spirit of Freedom was launched by the ADI to rescue the big cats held captive across the country.

MORE: Manatee Population Has Rebounded 500 Percent, No Longer Endangered

Until they were raided in July 2015, the circus evaded authorities by hiding in mountainous regions–and Hoover is the only big cat that survived the pursuit.

In celebration of the tiger’s 12th birthday, Big Cat Rescue has prepared an all-meat birthday cake for him to enjoy in his new home.

SHARING is Caring… Click if you care.