The Tigers first-team squad encountered the tigers, the largest members of the cat family, during a visit with their families to the popular visitor attraction at Bewdley, Worcestershire.
The players, enjoying a day out following Saturday's Heineken Cup win against Perpignan at Welford Road, posed for photographs with the animals and were able to feed them under the watchful eye of their keepers.
The unique experience was organised as part of West Midland Safari Park's ongoing support of Leicester Tigers and their Junior Tiger Club.
Rugby World Cup winner Ben Kay, who has made 238 appearances for Leicester Tigers, described meeting the real-life tigers as "amazing".
Kay said: "We play with a Tigers badge on our chest but I don't think any of us have been that close to them before.
"It was quite interesting when we were feeding the tigers and the photographers were telling us to turn around and look at the camera as you could feel the tigers' whiskers on your fingers.
"Knowing how much my daughter loves animals, she has had a great time."
West Midland Safari Park is open every day until December 24 and then weekends only until February 8, 2009. The park, with amusement rides, fully reopens on Saturday, February 14, 2009. More information is available on the West Midland Safari Park website at www.wmsp.co.uk
Leicester Tigers are next in action in the return match against Perpignan on Sunday and then host Newcastle Falcons in the Guinness Premiership at Welford Road on Saturday, December 20, kick-off 1.30pm. Tickets are available from the Tigers ticket office now, call 08701 28 34 30 or book online.
