Unlikely Friends: Tiger and Lion Cubs Form a Heartwarming Bond
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Against all odds, an unexpected camaraderie has blossomed in a Japanese zoo between a newborn tiger and a lion cub, throwing conventional wisdom about big cats out the window.
Adorable snapshots from African Safari Zoo, located in Japan’s southern Oita prefecture, depict a tender bond between the two feline cubs.
These adorable lion and tiger cubs were born at African Safari in the Oita prefecture of Japan earlier this year.
As if ignorant of their species’ distinctions, they’re pictured cuddling and playfully wrestling like littermates. These darling cubs are seen blissfully napping side-by-side, further proving their surprising compatibility.
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And not only with each other – their innocence has even led them to snuggle up with bunnies, suggesting their predatory instincts are yet to surface.
Born earlier this year in the zoo, these charming furballs have quickly become social media sensations.
Staff at the zoo have been sharing these adorable photographs over the last few weeks, making thousands of people coo over the images.
The zoo staff, responsible for sharing their heartwarming escapades on Twitter, has since amassed thousands of enthusiastic followers, all besotted with the adorable duo.
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The two cubs seem completely unaware that they’re different species as they snuggle up against each other (left). Right, the lion cub falls asleep.The revealing images show how the animals have yet to gain their animal instincts. Above, the tiger cub snuggles up to a bunny at the zoo.
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Left, the curious tiger cub is seen sniffing the bunnies, which in turn appear to be completely unafraid of the big cat, and right, the lion cub appears to be eyeing up its prey.The young cubs look like they were born to be siblings as they play fight (left) and frolic in the grass (right).Staff at the park remarked on Twitter how while it’s young, the lion cub looks more like a leopard in this photograph.Hug me! African Safari has a petting zoo where visitors can actually have their pictures taken with furry creatures – for now.
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No photos, please! The tiger cub appears to be rather camera-shy here as it covers its face while lying on the floor.There are currently several sets of tiger and lion cubs at the park, but this pair have struck up an unlikely friendship.These tiny creatures may still be small in the photographs, but staff posted on Twitter that they are growing up fast.Entrance to the safari park costs 2,500 Yen (£18.09) for adults and 1,400 Yen (£10.13) for children, with additional charges for some areas.
