Rare White Tiger Becomes a Teenager – Online

"It was a real pleasure to be able to offer Charlotte Corney (CEO, Isle of Wight Zoo) this unique opportunity to show off their very special tiger at the zoo. The installation of the live video feed in the Kanha Tiger enclosure has created some wonderful images of Zena and Zia, a growing favourite at the CheckItLive website." Mark Welch, CEO at CheckItLive

The growing online audience will be able to share in Zena's birthday celebrations on May 24th. They are being led by Paul Bailie, Head of Department at the zoo, who has a number of exciting ideas 'up his sleeve' for her special day. No doubt the celebrations will have to include her favourite pastime of 'water-play'. Whether trying to fight with the water shooting out of a hosepipe, or splashing around in the stream in her enclosure, she certainly seems to enjoy getting wet. Charlotte has expressed the enjoyment that Zena and Zia had on their visits to the beach as cubs: Zena trying to 'attack' the waves, whilst Zia would hide behind Charlotte for protection whenever a Jack Russell happened to walk by.

The best time to see Zena and Zia at http://www.checkitlive.com is firstly 8 - 10am, when they are patrolling or scent marking; they are usually active until about 11.30am. The tigers will then generally rest until about 2pm, but become more active again in the afternoon, before retiring to their den about 6pm.

For visiting times and information on the Isle of Wight Zoo go to: http://www.isleofwightzoo.com/

http://ca.sys-con.com/node/972430

Zena

Indian Tiger
Panthera tigris tigris
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: 24-05-1996
Rearing: Hand raised

Zena is a fun and bubbly cat. She is cute and completely irresistible. Part of her appeal is in her tomboyish tendencies. Zena shows no consideration to her beautiful white coat, she is a rare white version of the Indian tiger, when it rains she will consequently splash around in as many muddy puddles as she can find only to emerge looking like she's been down a coal mine! Unlike her older sister, Zia, Zena doesn't seem to understand the meaning of vanity. Zena has a real zest for life, which is evident from watching her humorous antics. Amongst other things, she has perfected the art of bouncing along on her hind legs while trying to 'bite' the jet of water from a hosepipe! Whatever Zena's doing, she is always grateful for an adoring audience. In short, this tigress is a positive show-off!

With Zena, what you see is what you get. There are no complicated sides to her character or shady unknowns. She wears her heart on her sleeve and would sooner trust than mistrust. Zena is as un-streetwise as they come, always seeking care and guidance from Zia.

One of Zena's greatest pleasures comes in the shape of food. She is something of a feline hoover with eyes bigger than her belly. On special occasions she expects certain edible luxuries such as smoked haddock and smoked salmon!
Ultimately, it is tigers like Zena that are capable of creating the most impact. Because of the sharp contrast between Zena the loveable, overgrown pussycat, and Zena the cat who could obliterate your existence in seconds.

http://www.isleofwightzoo.com/animal.php?tiger=46

Indian tigress (Zena) recovering well from operation to remove eye

Zena's Eye Operation - Progress Update
Wednesday 22nd November 2006

White Indian tigress Zena is continuing to make an excellent recovery following an operation to remove her right eye (see Animal News story Weds 08 Oct 2006 for more details). She is once again able to enjoy unrestricted access to the Kanha enclosure together with her sister Zia. Now free from the discomfort she experienced before the operation, Zena is back to her old self. The fur around the operation site is regrowing well and we think you will agree she is as beautiful as ever.

http://www.isleofwightzoo.com/animal_news.php?active_page=0&id=28