Popcorn Park Zoo's Caesar The Tiger Recovering Well After Surgery

Caesar, a 16-year-old tiger whose home is the Popcorn Park Zoo in Lacey, is recovering well from surgery several days ago to remove a mass from his elbow, Park Director John Bergmann said.

The staff that cares for the big cat noticed blood stains on Caesar's bench on Saturday while they were cleaning his area.

"We didn't see anything on him and assumed it could have been from his on Friday meal," according to the Zoo's Facebook post. "He might have brought the slab of meat up onto his bench. But the following morning, there were again blood drops on the floor of his den and we knew something wasn't right."

Popcorn Park veterinarians Paluch and Bergmann were notified and found a mass the size of a walnut just below his elbow. They quickly removed the mass and sent it out for a biopsy.

The biopsy results haven't come back yet, Bergmann said.

"We are hoping the result is benign and that Caesar will have a smooth and fast recovery," the post states.

Caesar was the third of four tigers we rescued from Texas in 2005. Caesar was in very poor health at the facility where he was raised, and needed a great deal of medical attention over time to bring him up to snuff. Today he is the picture of health and enjoys the best of everything. Our Popcorn Park director attests to Caesar's sweet nature, but also observes that he is not quite as mentally quick as the others. We know Caesar would be happy to have some new sponsors (and visitors!), so don't be shy .. give him some love!, according to the Zoo's website.

Image: Associated Human Societies Popcorn Park Facebook page.