A heartwarming moment was captured at the Parc des Félins in Seine-et-Marne, France, as a Siberian tiger mother gave her energetic cubs a loving bath.
Photographer Eric Cunha documented the tender interaction, showing the mother tiger using her paws to hold her playful cubs while she groomed them thoroughly.
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The cubs initially appeared less than thrilled, but they couldn’t escape their mother’s determined care.
The scene highlighted the affectionate bond between mother and cubs, giving onlookers a rare glimpse into the gentler side of these powerful animals.
Cunha, a photographer based in Paris, spent several days observing the tiger family. Using long telephoto lenses, he managed to capture these close-up shots despite the large size of the tigers’ enclosures.
His photos have since gained attention for revealing the surprising tenderness that these big cats show toward their young.
Siberian tigers, or Amur, primarily inhabit the Sikhote-Alin mountain region and a small area southwest of Russia’s Primorye province.
Conservation efforts have helped stabilize their population over the past decade, though concerns remain about the species’ long-term health in Russia.
Unlike their Bengal cousins, Siberian tigers rarely pose a threat to humans. Historically, the Tungusic people revered these majestic creatures, referring to them as “Grandfather” or “Old man.”
Similarly, the Manchu considered the Siberian tiger a symbol of royalty, naming the most elite unit of the Qing Dynasty’s Imperial Army the “Tiger God Battalion.”
These endearing photographs highlight the beauty and charm of the Siberian tiger family and underscore the importance of ongoing conservation work to protect these magnificent animals for future generations.
Cunha commented on the difficulty of capturing these moments due to the vast enclosures: “Each enclosure ranges from two to five hectares, making it challenging to spot the animals. I had to rely on long telephoto lenses to get these shots. People are amazed by how gentle these tigers are with their babies.”
The stable population of Siberian tigers, estimated to include 331–393 adults in 2005, continues to be the focus of intense conservation efforts. However, there are still worries about the species’ future, particularly in Russia.
This touching display of family bonding serves as a reminder of these endangered creatures’ natural beauty and strength, highlighting why conservation efforts remain essential to their survival.
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