“It’s sad to see an animal leaving, after you have been together for 12 years,” Phevos’ caretaker said to Greek Reporter.
Phevos is the only tiger that used to live at the Trikala zoo in central Greece. With the help of an animal organization, he began his last trip to a sanctuary in San Diego, California, where he will possibly have better living conditions.
“They say that he will have better living conditions where he is going. I believe we offered him the same care here,” zoo caretaker George Petalas said.
Phevos has been alone in his enclosure since March, after his companion, Athena, died during anesthesia to cure an infected wound on her paw.
Both tigers were part of an Italian traveling circus act when they were seized by Greek authorities for lack of paperwork in 2002.
“Although Phevos has one of the largest homes in Europe, he is alone and this was the reason behind his move,” said Trikala Mayor Dimitris Papastergiou.
Watch the exclusive video of Phevos as he was getting ready to be transported to San Diego and an interview with his caretaker George Petalas below:
Phevos is expected to arrive at San Diego’s Lions, Tigers & Bears (LTB) exotic animal sanctuary on Thursday evening, December 11, 2014, just in time for Christmas.
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