Zeus The "Pirate" Tiger

Zeus. What a powerful name for a powerful cat. Just his name invokes a bit of fear and commands respect. But our Zeus was not a cat who demanded respect; he was our gentle giant. He was the chuffiest tiger at Big Cat Rescue. He loved to chuff to his caretakers and greet them. Sometimes the chuffs were a sense of reassurance for a massive cat who could barely see. Through human greed, his abuse and neglect via the 'pay to play' scheme, camera flashes destroyed his eyesight while he should have still been with his mama nursing, getting the delicate balance of nutrients his tiny body needed, yet was denied. When he became too big to safely handle, he was speed bred with his mother to create white tigers. Born September 1, 1996, he was 3 months younger than my youngest son. I felt a kinship with that. His liberation to Big Cat Rescue on May 28, 2014 was a huge day for him. He was with his daughter/sister Keisha for some time, until it became clear that her rambunctiousness was too much for a cat who couldn't see well, and they were separated, but still near each other. Then he was moved farther away from Keisha to an area near Joseph Lion, in complete shade where it was more 'soothing' for our gentle giant. He ended up having to have his luxated lens removed because it was bulging, and then he affectionately became our "Pirate Zeus". Zeus told us it was time to go and on June 5, 2018 it was clear. No more Zeus parties; no more cheering for the only cat that liked clapping and cheering to get his food/treats. Three months shy of being 22. His last 4 years saw unconditional love, affection, respect and devotion by a group of Angels on Earth who didn't look after him for money - they don't get paid - but rather for a sense of desire to help those who didn't ask for their previous existence prior to their arrival at Big Cat Rescue. Zeus. No more chuffs. I miss you, big boy! Forever loved!! Forever FREE!!