Symbio Wildlife Park’s tiger Cinta. Pictures: ANDY ZAKELI
The park is preparingto give people the opportunity to feed the tigers.
Symbio Wildlife Park is preparing to offer people who book in advance special encounters with its big cats.
The family-run Helensburgh zoo has three tigers and already offers up close and personal encounters with some of its other animals, such as koalas and snakes, but the chance to feed a tiger is considered the ultimate.
Proceeds from such visits will go towards the park's wildlife conservation efforts.
The move comes as Symbio prepares to start work on several new exhibits and amenities following its success in attracting federal and state government funding.
Plans are under way for a $1.54 million investment on new exhibits and facility upgrades.
The plans include an African animal exhibit within the next couple of years but a new koala breeding sanctuary and an indoor reptile experience are being built first.
Managing director John Radnidge said there were few places left where people could encounter animals that were almost extinct in the wild in a way that did not impact on their survival.
"It is all being done with their [the animals'] needs in mind," Mr Radnidge said.
The greatest priority for the whole team at Symbio was to ensure animals such as the Sumatran tiger survives.
There are thought to be as few as 200 Sumatran tigers left in the wild.