VLADIVOSTOK, November 27. /TASS/. Amur, the three-year-old Siberian tiger who made friends with Timur the goat instead of eating him, is now intent on protecting his new pal from zookeepers, the Far East safari park’s director told TASS on Friday.

Goat meant to be tiger’s lunch makes friends with big cat at Far East zoo

"Yesterday after having dinner, Amur waited for Timur to enter the shelter. He hissed at the keeper, warning him not to approach the goat", said Dmitry Mezentsev, noting a new aggressive side in the predator's relations with those caring for him.

"When Timur entered the shelter, Amur sniffed him and went to sleep on the roof," the chief went on.

Timur and Amur have lived in one enclosure - the size of a football pitch - for several days already and the goat has even taken over the feline’s bed.

"Tigers at our park get live prey twice a week," the zoo boss had explained, narrating the tale earlier. "Amur likes to hunt goats and rabbits but he didn't want to eat this one," he said, putting it down to what he called the goat's bravery.

"The goat considers Amur his leader and follows him everywhere. Amur doesn't regard the goat as his prey," the director said, adding that the two chums eat and walk together.

Amur's sister Taiga, prowling suspicious in the neighbouring enclosure, would likely present an altogether different story for a prudent Timur, keeping a wary and watchful distance on the other side, director Mezentsev said.