In general the feeding of tigers isn’t a problem. Vegetables are not on their menu, they’re not interested in fruit, and they can easily live without fish. Instead, tigers eat meat. And meat. And more meat. A lot of meat: an adult tiger easily manages around 50 kilograms (110 lbs) a week. However, the Lacey tigers are demanding when it comes to the quality of their meat. They like beef – with bones, please, because a tiger wants to get something hard between his teeth; complete chickens, eaten in one bite; and for a bit of variety, ox liver, tripe and heart. In addition, they get vitamin- mineral powders and cod liver oil for bone augmentation.

The tigers get meat six days a week, with one day set aside for fasting. Compared to nature, that’s pure luxury, because wild tigers often go for three or even four days without food. Their bodies are adapted to eating large meals at one sitting. Afterward, the striped ladies and gentlemen need some time for digesting their meals peacefully.

Therefore, Alexander Lacey feeds his tigers either early in the morning or in the evening after the last show. That way, he makes sure that his tigers don’t come into the ring with a full belly, and have had enough time to digest their food.