In the wild, tigers and lions don’t get along. But during the first impressionable years, lion and tiger cubs can live together and sometimes show tenderness for each other.
If these big baby cats were any bigger, you’d be nervous in the opening scene of this video. However, these are adorable little ones who show their playful nature, starting out by patting each other’s faces and making some gentle purrs as they enjoy each other’s company.
If you’ve ever seen kittens play, it’s like that, except you see a tiger cub and a lion cub. Just as cute, with much bigger paws! The babes were filmed at an animal sanctuary called Kowiachobee in Naples, Florida. Both the lion and tiger cubs in this video are five months old. Because they grew up together, they get along like brothers.
Animal sanctuaries are not just home to tigers, and not just to lions. This is a sanctuary that serves all animals. Sometimes they rescue, sometimes they adopt, sometimes they rehabilitate, and sometimes they have exotic cats. They care for turtles, horses and dozens of other animals. In their endeavors, they are hands-on and focused on educating their communities.
They keep leopards, leopards, lions and tigers, and sometimes it’s not just lions and tigers sharing the space. They’ve been around for over 15 years and sometimes take their animals offsite for special displays and lectures so others, including children, can learn about exotic and endangered animals. At first glance, you might think these little angels would make perfect pets as long as they stay that big! But the truth is, they are big cats and deserve a home in the wild or in an environment that protects them and meets their needs.
This video is just one example of how humans can create a safe environment for wild animals that need extra care. These two brothers (literally from other mothers) enjoy each other’s company as they continue to fight, roll on the ground, and make those sweet slow winks that show how much they trust each other. It’s a short clip, but it gives you insight into how different species co-exist. Not just coexistence, really, but bonding.
next…
- Watch two male lions play hide and seek over dinner
- Watch crazy footage of adult lion and tiger fighting in China
- Watch this hero tiger save a man from a stalking leopard
I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.
Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.
