An unlikely mother
Rejected by one mother and left orphaned by another, an adorable tiger cub finally finds a mother in a 1-year-old dog.
By Laura MossMon, Dec 12 2011 at 1:16 PM EST
Photo: Snapshot from video
This tiger cub, which was born at Germany’s Stroehen Zoo in 2009, experienced tragedy at a very young age when it lost not one, but two mother figures. The female cub was rejected by its mother shortly after birth, but it was soon adopted by Monster, a 9-year-old wirehaired dachshund that belonged to the zoo’s owner, Almuth Ismer.
Monster took to the cub instantly, showing great affection for the baby tiger that was twice his size. Unfortunately, Monster died unexpectedly and the cub was left an orphan once again.
Luckily, a month after Monster’s death, his 1-year-old daughter, Bessi, took over his parenting duties. Zookeepers say Bessi completely “fell in love” with the cub and became its guardian. While it’s not uncommon for dogs to adopt and raise animals of other species, it is unusual for a dog as young as Bessi to develop maternal instincts.
Check out these heartwarming photos of Bessi the caring canine and her adopted feline daughter.
Photos: Splash
Also on MNN: 16 unlikely animal friendships
