Which breed of big cats is the most gentle?

Question

I want to take a job at a zoo with big cats, and part of that is specializing in a certain breed of cat. I don't want anything fierce like a lion, but out of each breed: Which is the MOST gentle? I understand that they are all WILD and DANGEROUS, but which would be considerd more gentle than the other?

Answer 1

There are no 'breeds' of big cat - a breed is a variety of domestic animal that has been selectively bred by humans for certain characteristics (e.g. German Shepherd and Rottweiler are breeds of dog, Shire and Arab are breeds of horse, etc.). The word you are looking for is 'species'.

All wild animals will retain their wild instincts in captivity - any species of big cat is potentially dangerous. Cheetahs are not known to attack people, but the possibility is always there. Working as a zookeeper does not mean close interaction with dangerous animals like big cats. Zookeepers do not enter enclosures with big cats, or any other animal that has the potential to harm or kill a person. The majority of the job is cleaning - sweeping up straw, picking up faeces, cleaning windows, etc. There is often little interaction with the animals you care for. It is a hard, dirty, smelly job with long hours and low wages (I used to be a zookeeper and earned minimum wage). You need to know what to expect when you go into this profession - it is NOT about cuddling tigers and hand-rearing cute baby animals.

Answer 2

Cheetah, people have had cheetahs for pets.

Answer 3

Hey, check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjWtRYaxm...

I still say that you should find a different sort of job.

Answer 4

None are "gentle" so there isn't a most gentle. They are all predatory killing machines. I have seen people with lions more than any cat. If you've got an image of a sweet, purring Siberian Tiger rubbing against your leg you are watching too much television. Look what happened to Roy and his white tiger Monte. He knew that cat better than anyone and while doing what they did hundreds of times the cat attacked him. If you love the cats, take the job. You aren't going to be playing in the pen with them.