Tiger dies nearly a year after move from Greece to California

The Guardian  — A tiger that was flown to a southern California sanctuary last year after concerns of neglect at a Greek zoo has died.

The Los Angeles Times reported on Sunday that Phevos, a 17-year-old male tiger, was euthanised at the Lions, Tigers & Bears sanctuary in Alpine, California, after weeks of decline.

Lead veterinarian Jane Meier said Phevos had progressively shown signs of pain and a decreased appetite.

Phevos was brought to the sanctuary in December on a 20-hour airlift. The move was organised by David Barnes, a British animal care activist who was concerned about the tiger’s condition and the death of another tiger at a zoo outside Athens.

According to the BBC, the zoo was unable to care for the animals properly because of the ongoing economic crisis in Greece.

Bobbi Brink, the founder of the Lions, Tigers & Bears sanctuary, said: “He fought a long and hard battle in this lifetime and had been through so much. I am honoured to have been able to provide him with compassionate care.”