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.

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

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.