Just don't tell these guys that they are supposed to be fighting like cats and dogs
By MAIL FOREIGN SERVICE
Last updated at 3:21 PM on 14th May 2010
Last updated at 3:21 PM on 14th May 2010
In the wild, a chance meeting between a wolf and a tiger would not be this adorable. But, seeing as they were friends since being two weeks old, these litters of wolves and tigers share a unique bond.
Separated from their mothers to insure their survival, they are beginning their journey as animal ambassadors at The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species - conveniently abbreviated to 'Tigers'.
The young timber wolves and Bengal tigers seem unaware that they are supposed to be sworn enemies as they play for the cameras in their South Carolina home.
On the prowl: Wolf and Tiger cubs play together at Myrtle Beach South Carolina Zoo. The cubs are happy hanging out with each other, but it would be a different story in the wild
Now aged three months, and sharing the same bottles of milk formula, the 25lb wolf cubs are twice the weight of their tiger bedfellows.
The founder of Tigers, Doc Bhagavan, said: 'At the moment the tigers will have a size and weight disadvantage to their canine friends.
'So that means that the wolves are a bit pushy with their tiger pals in their shared environment.
Puppy love: After bonding as cubs, the wolves and tigers are happy to share their enclosure together, although the wolves have a weight advantage - for now
Strange bedfellows: These young playmates are the charges of The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (abbreviated to Tiger)
'However, as I am sure you will have guessed, even though the wolves are bigger at three months, after another five months it will be the tigers who will be able to push the wolves around.'
After one year the tiger cubs will be expected to weigh around 250lb compared to the year-old wolves at 180lb.
Mr Bhagavan said: 'Even though they will have spent eight months together, after that time they will have to be separated. The size difference and species difference will become apparent.'
He's all white: Despite being smaller, this rare white tiger seems to be lording it over his wolf chum. As the cubs get older they will have to be separated
Animal experts in the South Carolina sanctuary decided to place the two unlikely groups of friends together to better aid their interaction with humans.
Mr Bhagavan said: 'They bonded so well and have become very used to one another.
'The wolves are a bit bolder than the tigers at the moment, nibbling their ears and playing a bit rougher, but that will change as the tigers grow older and larger.
'We surround the tigers with cuddly toys so that they can make a nest, and the wolves are always trying to invade and share that space with the tigers.
'It is heart-warming to watch them now and to think that in a few months time that they will no longer be near to each other. It is quite sad, but they will enjoy their time together.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1278441/Wolf-tiger-cubs-brought-form-unique-bond-endangered-species.html#ixzz1HrS8u2Pt
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