After nearly a decade in captivity and being forced to work in a roadside Peruvian circus, Hoover the tiger arrived in Tampa on Saturday morning, just in time to celebrate his 12th birthday.
Hoover was rescued in April 2015 by Animal Defenders International, several years after the Peruvian government banned the use of tigers in circuses. In order to avoid the regulation, Hoover’s owners went underground to keep the animal until a tip finally led to their discovery. After a year of recovery and treatment for the too-thin tiger, Hoover now is set to spend the rest of his days at Big Cat Rescue, a nonprofit animal sanctuary at 12802 Easy St.
“He was so sweet. He didn’t roar; he didn’t complain,” said Susan Bass with Big Cat Rescue. “He’s been adjusting really well.”
Hoover arrived in his new home, a 1-acre enclosure, on Saturday morning. After taking a few laps around the perimeter to assess any potential threats, he settled down in the shade to relax and even took a dip in his pond.
