After Being Abused in Illegal Peruvian Circus, Rescued Tiger Finally Tastes Freedom! (VIDEO)

The world’s tiger population is in grave danger. With the wild population of this species teetering around 3,000 individuals, the future for tigers remains uncertain in the face of rampant deforestation and poaching. Unfortunately, despite this dire situation, people continue to abuse and exploit tigers for the sake of paltry entertainment.

In this video, we meet Hoover, a tiger who was used as a circus performer in Peru for years. Although it is illegal to use wild animals in circuses in the country, Hoover’s owners continued to torture him and 12 other tigers to turn a profit. In the footage, you can him being whipped by his trainers, a true testament to their interest in his well-being. Sadly, this is the common method used to control big cats in the entertainment industry because, after all, they cannot be domesticated.

This illegal circus attempted to remain out of the government’s view by hiding for eight months in the Peruvian mountains, but thankfully they were finally discovered in a surprise raid.

Thanks to a rescue mission carried out by Animal Defenders International (ADI) and Peru’s wildlife services, Hoover was saved from this sordid life. Tragically, he was the only tiger to survive.

Hoover is now finally getting the chance to be a real tiger in the care of Big Cat Rescue. At Big Cat’s sanctuary, Hoover is enjoying tons of space to roam and a nice natural pool to swim in! While we wish he could have lived his days out in the wild, we are so glad to know he is safe and sound in the care of Big Cat Rescue.