A close encounter between a wolf and a tiger in the wild certainly wouldn’t be as endearing as this. But as long as these cute little friends have known each other since they were just a few weeks old, the love they share will melt hearts all over the world.
Now three months old, these unlikely friends have been gathered together at the Myrtle Beach Safari in South Carolina, where they are set to begin their journey as animal ambassadors at the Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species(TIGERS).
Since they were separated from their mothers at a very young age – for the sake of ensuring their survival – these happy friends grew up together. More than that, they even shared the same milk formula.
Surprisingly, both the cubs and their companions seem unaware that they are supposed to be arch-enemies. However, they are now happily posing for the camera together in their new home.
Even though the cubs are almost double the size of their tiger friends (at least for now), they continue to play together and chase each other like they were once part of the litter.
“For now, tigers will be at a size and weight disadvantage for their canine companions,” said Doc Bhagavan, founder of T.I.G.E.R.S. However, as I’m sure you will guess, even though the wolves are bigger at three months, after five months, it will be the tigers that will be able to push the wolves around. ”
Tiger cubs are expected to weigh up to 250lb at one year old, while wolf cubs will be around 180lb. That’s when they’ll finally be separated! Bhagavan said: “Even though they will have spent together for eight months, after that time they will have to part. “The size difference and the species difference will become apparent.”
Now, staff at the South Carolina reserve said they decided to put these two disparate species together “to support their interactions with humans better.”
“They bond very well and have become very familiar with each other,” Bhagavan said. “We surround the tigers with cuddly toys for them to nest, and the wolves are always trying to invade and share that space with the tigers. It’s heartwarming to look at them now and think that in a few months, they won’t stay together anymore. It’s pretty sad, but they’re going to enjoy their time together.”
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