Uncooked to perfection - just what a tiger needs

Photo / Dean Purcell

Oz the 5-year-old tiger at Auckland Zoo was treated to a Christmas appetiser last night.

Inside the wrapped box was an ice-block made from horse meat and blood - just the thing to tempt a hungry carnivore whose normal fare is chicken, beef and lamb pieces.

The occasion was the zoo's family Christmas party, attended by 2000 people.

Second course for Oz was another horse-meat dish, but this was placed on top of a 4m pole in his enclosure.

Zookeepers said last night that Oz appeared well satisfied with the first course and was saving the second for later.