They really are BFFs.
And now, two wayward tiger cubs have moved to their new digs within the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, which has been caring for them since their unusual starts in life.
The 3-month-old Bengal tiger was rescued as someone tried to bring it illegal across the U.S. border from Mexico. And, the 4-month-old Sumatran tiger, came from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, where his mother was unable to care for him.
“The two cubs are adjusting really well to their new home,” Lori Hieber, senior mammal keeper, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, said in a statement. “They’re doing great. They act like little brothers; they play and cuddle a lot, and they squabble a bit like most brothers, but it’s all natural, healthy behavior.”
They are settling into the Tull Family Tiger Trail after being moved form the animal care center this month.
And, boy oh boy, are they growing up.
They are now weaned and eating a carnivore diet. They each weigh 32 pounds. And you can watch them grow in real time on the zoo’s Tiger Cam.
Wildlife experts believed the best solution for National Zoo cub was to transfer him to the Safari Park, where he would have a playmate and so both cubs can interact with their own species.
“We feel really fortunate to have these two cubs here,” Hieber added. “It was an unusual circumstance for us to acquire them, but we think they’re in the best possible hands, and they’re going to have a wonderful life while they’re here at Tiger Trail.”
Also, so very cute.
Photos San Diego Zoo Safari Park