PITTSBURGH -- Billy Ray meets Billy Ray.

The Siberian tiger cub born Mother's Day at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium was named after country music and television star Billy Ray Cyrus, who visited on Thursday.

"As I was petting him, I was telling him he's here for a reason -- to bring more attention to his species. There are only 300 to 400 left in the wild," Cyrus said.
Slideshow: Photos Of The Baby Tiger

Cyrus wore a protective coat as he played with the 40-pound tiger, named at the request of zoo donors in honor of a late family member who was a fan of the singer's music.

Also known for being the father of the "Hannah Montana" TV star, Cyrus said his daughter, Miley, would probably stop by some day.

"Oh, she's gonna be coming. I can guarantee it. There will be a time," Cyrus said. "The next time Miley's tour bus rolls through Pittsburgh, she's going to come out here to the zoo and see Billy Ray because she'll love him as much as I do."

Caretakers have been hand-feeding Billy Ray since birth because his mother, Toma, has refused to nurse the cub.
Video: Watch the Cub Feeding From A Bottle (May 2008)

Toma rejected her baby just two days after giving birth, which zoo officials said could be due to a lack of milk production.

They tried reintroducing Billy Ray to his mother a few days later, but Toma rejected the cub again and showed no interest in taking care of him, the zoo said.

Billy Ray will likely grow up to be about 11 feet long and 450 pounds, the zoo said.

The Siberian tiger, also known as the Amur tiger, is an endangered species. There are only about 400 left in the wild and about 190 at zoos across the world.

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