Male Sumatran tiger cub Bandar crawls out of a moat at the Smithsonian National Zoo during a swim test for the animal in Washington November 6, 2013.

The tiger at the Sunshine Coast zoo, which attacked its handler Dave Styles on Tuesday, did so because it confused him with one of its favourite toys.

The 114kg feline attraction did not understand why Mr Styles, who is usually dressed in khaki, came in a blue poncho-top that day. What it did not know was that Mr Styles was getting ready to film a documentary for the BBC. According to the Courier-Mail, the blue outfit was much like the garbage bag which the tiger usually plays with.

Wes Mannion, the director of the zoo, has also confirmed that Charlie - the Sumatran-Bengal tiger - is used to playing with the blue garbage bag which he attacks and bites during the playing session. Charlie, 6, must have been quite fond of its toy as he became overexcited to see his 'toy' walking in even though it was not the playing session. Charlie must have been a risky playmate for any toy as Mr Styles was severely wounded due to the 'playful' attack on the tiger's part. It bit him on the shoulder and neck. It then dragged him into the pool.

Mr Mannion has informed that tigers are not prevented from biting the given toys. He insisted that Charlie attacking Mr Styles was just an accident. On the contrary, there have been strong accusations that the zoo authorities tried to thrill the tiger so that BBC would get more interesting footages for the documentary project. Mr Styles himself was equipped with a GoPro camera which was strapped to his head. It has been told that he had the camera to make it familiarise with the tigers at the zoo. The zoo authorities, nevertheless, argues that the camera was not turned on during the attack.

According to the official Web site of Australia Zoo, one of the most popular toys among tigers is a rubbish bag tied to a stick. It also claims that the toy makes noise when moved. It also flows smoothly in the air or on the ground. Tigers usually jump and grab the bag in the air, which makes it a really 'impressive' sight; the Web site claims.

Video courtesy: YouTube/Above Science