Rescue
Circus Tiger Rescued And Sets Foot On Grass For First Time
It’s almost as if you can see the look of relief on his face.
Eduardo Gaskell
08.07.20

Hoover is the only survivor of twelve tigers forced to work in a Peruvian circus. He spent his life in a tiny cage forced to entertain audiences for their viewing pleasure while the circus defied Peru’s wild animal ban. The circus went on the run, evading Animal Defenders International for eight months.

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This beautiful tiger was in need of help.

You can likely bet that his handlers weren’t really taking the best care of him, only needing him to make money. A tip led ADI to the circus and after a raid, were able to rescue Hoover. They bring a truck in with another cage mounted on its bed, and together with a crane are successful in making Hoover transfer from his prison cell to the truck’s cage.

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ADi brought him to their rescue center in Peru.

Hoover was allowed to roam in a widely fenced area. He actually wobbles a bit when using his legs. All those years in a small cage, only being let out to perform acts really took its toll on this big cat. The rescuers worked together as a team to nurse him back to health. It’s amazing what a few good souls can do.

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In spite of his life, Hoover is a good looking cat!

Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, Florida offered to take Hoover, giving him a home he so deserves. This big cat moves so much better now. Just look at him crouch and sprint! That’s what tigers are supposed to do!

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They put Hoover in his transport cage and flew him to Florida just in time for his birthday. The miles were all worth it. This may even be his first birthday celebration! Road trip!

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Ever seen a tiger on a plane?

When Hoover is finally let out of his cage, he steps on to new soil, a new life ahead of him. He looks so much better too. Hoover looks bigger, more muscular, and his stride is one of a true big cat who belongs in the wild.

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Hoover is home. He looks so much better walking along nature’s beauty.

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Tigers are the largest of the big cats. They rely on sight and sound when hunting and can consume up to 80 pounds of meat in one go. They are solitary cats preferring to be alone as compared to the more sociable Lion.

They are endangered. Tigers face poaching, habitat loss, and many other threats. These big cats are forced to compete for personal space with humans. Some like Hoover are forced into the circus or brought in to zoos for people to see. It’s a cruel world for them.

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Unfortunately, Hoover the tiger passed away on October 7, 2019.

He had ongoing health issues and had squamous cell carcinoma removed twice from one front leg. He had bone cancer in his back leg hence the limping while he suffered from severe arthritis throughout his body. Hoover was already on so much medication and it pained everyone to have to let him go. A difficult decision was made.

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ADI and Big Cat Rescue are incredible groups of people who work tirelessly to track down and rescue animals who are being mistreated. Hoover’s story lives on. He serves as an inspiration for all the animals out there who feel like all is lost.

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See how Hoover’s life changed for the better in the video below.

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Source: YouTube, ADI, WWF

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