Zena was born on September 11, 2001 - the same day as the World Trade
Center attacks. She came from a private owner in Kansas, and was kept
as their pet. She was never abused or mistreated. In fact, her owner
had kept her very healthy and well nourished. She appeared to be very
happy and loved. Like most people who acquire tigers for pets, her
owner didn't realize the size and strength a tiger cub would soon
possess as it grew older. Zena was kept in a children's play yard with
a swing set, plastic pool and smaller enclosure for feeding. She was
only being contained by a 4 foot tall fence.
So, we packed up and headed out to Kansas. Zena arrived at her new home
just in time to celebrate her first birthday. She was a little nervous
around the other animals, at first. But she quickly settled down and
formed a strong bond with one of the owners, Chemaine. Like most of our
tigers, she is a Bengal/Siberian mix, but her Siberian traits really
stand out. She has a husky build and long fluffy hair. Zena is a very
well tempered cat, and she enjoys walking around our property on her
leash.
In the last few months we have noticed a skin problem on Zena. After skin byopsy and blood workups and being seen by two vets it is confirmed that our beautiful girl has a simply allergy reaction and nothing more. Worried for awhile but relief fills us now, all she needs is allergy meds to help her.