SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - A tiger from Greece has finally arrived at his permanent home in Alpine.
Lions, Tigers and Bears Sanctuary in Alpine is doing its first international tiger rescue.
Phevos was part of an Italian traveling circus and was moved to a zoo outside Athens in 2002.
“Who wants to starve to death? That would be terrible. Instead of starving and not having anyone paying attention, he is going to have love and care. Kind of like a senior home, a lot of attention and activities,” said Bobbi Brink, Lions, Tigers and Bears Director.
The 19-year-old tiger flew in a box for more than 11 hours from Athens to London to San Diego.
"He looks a little scared and he is little timid. He is breathing and did look at us and i think he wants to get on his way and rest. He looks tired."
The process has taken six months. During the paperwork, red tape and federal permits, the sanctuary was also working to rescue Phevos' life-time companion Athena but she died from a paw infection.
Phevos will be quarantined for 30 days to get healthy and then he'll join the two other cats.
Lion, Tigers and Bears relies on donations. It costs about $10,000 to care for each tiger.