STORY: :: Eight rare tiger cubs were born in a Russian zoo
:: The two sets of four puppies, born to Siberian and Bengal mothers, are taking their first steps
:: Barnaul, Russia
:: Released on July 14, 2024
:: Courtesy: Barnaul Zoo
The puppies, from Siberian and Bengal mothers, are now two weeks old and taking their first steps.
Tiger mothers, however, appear to have adopted different approaches to raising their children.
The Siberian tigress was seen carrying her four cubs, proudly showing them off to the camera near the enclosure.
Fifa, a mother of four Bengal puppies, took a more protective approach and was not as willing to expose her puppies to the gaze of onlookers.
Siberian tigers are extremely rare and powerful predators that live in the far east of Russia and the northern regions of China. They are listed in the Red Book of Russia and the IUCN as an endangered species, following the devastating impact of poaching on the breed’s numbers.
Bengal tigers are one of the largest living cats and can be found in areas of India, Bangladesh, China, Nepal and Bhutan. Although their population is much higher than that of Siberian tigers, they are still listed as endangered.