After years of commercial exploitation (exposure for photos, etc.) in various cities across Brazil, Hulk was rescued several times by Ibama, but returned by court order to his owner in the early 2000s. Finally, in 2007, the court determined his permanent transfer to the Sanctuary.

Hulk was visibly mutilated as a means of controlling him during the itinerant activities in which he participated. He arrived at the Sanctuary severely debilitated, without teeth and nearly blind. Fortunately, in April 2008, he underwent cataract surgery on his left eye, which restored his vision. Hulk had the privilege of spending his last years of life at the Sanctuary enjoying simple pleasures such as seeing his surroundings.

Hulk passed away in 2012.