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.