Tammy Hudson, also a Knoxville Zoo carnivore keeper, says that the tigers have other opportunities for fun. Boomer balls are their favorite toys. Conservation There are fewer than 350 Siberian tigers left in the wild, and only 6,000-8,000 of all tiger subspecies. Siberian tigers are members of the Species Survival Plan . Each tiger has its own stripe pattern, and no two tigers are exactly alike.
Keepers identify individual tigers by the markings above their left eye.
The tigers at the Knoxville Zoo recognize their keeper, Rocky Sylar, and approach the fence when he calls them. Asked if he ever pets the tigers, Rocky grinned and held out his hand. Information provided by the Knoxville Zoo. Photo by Rocky Sylar, Knoxville Zoo.