THE Australia Zoo tiger handler injured this morning suffered only "minor" scratches according to the zoo.
41-year-old Che Woolcott was taking 12-year-old Sumatran Tiger Ranu on it's morning enrichment activities when the incident occurred. 
"While walking through surrounding bushland at the Zoo, Ranu - Australia Zoo's 12 year old male Sumatran tiger - became overly interested in his surroundings and when his handler approached him to change direction, he swatted his paw resulting in a scratch on his left wrist, bicep and right side of the forehead," a statement released by the zoo said.
Head Keeper Kelsey Engel said Ranu was one of the most affectionate big cats living at the zoo.
"Ranu has grown up here, he has been here for a very young age," she said.
"A very affectionate cat and Che has one of the best relationships with him."
According to the Australia Zoo website Ranu weighs 120kgs and is one of the most mischievous tigers at the Zoo.
"Every tiger has their individual personality and the handlers learn how to adapt differently to each tiger.
"With Ranu, the handlers have to keep in mind that he is the boss and it is very important to be patient with him," the website states.
Earlier today Queensland Ambulance Service's Mark Fisher told Fairfax paramedics had attended to a man with deep scratches to his forearm and head and other minor scratches to his body.
"They were quite deep scratches but the haemorrhage was treated prior to our arrival," he said.
A spokeswoman for Australia Zoo said Mr Wollacott was expected to return to work in the coming days.
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