At Banham Zoo in Norwich, UK, a camera captured a heartwarming scene of two playful tiger cubs frolicking with their mother, showing just how energetic these big cats can be.
The video, filmed in October 2021, showcases the cubs’ energetic antics as they explore their surroundings, climb, and even attempt to bite their mother while she rests. One of the cubs, an adventurous Amur tiger, climbs onto its mother’s back and tries to nibble at her ear, interrupting her midday nap. Despite the playful disruption causing her to shift, the cub’s endless energy prompts it to leap off and continue its exploration.
Captured by 40-year-old photographer and business development director Talvinder Chohan, the footage highlights the patience required when photographing wildlife. Chohan emphasizes the unpredictable nature of animal behavior, stating, “Any wildlife or zoo animal photography requires patience because you have to follow the animal’s conditions.”
After a while, both cubs lie on their mother’s back, but are soon woken by her gentle movements. One of the cubs, after trying to settle down, becomes distracted and runs off to play on a nearby patch of grass.
Chohan notes that the combination of strength and tenderness in the mother tiger provides a unique perspective on the species. He hopes his photographs will raise awareness about tigers and encourage support for their conservation.
Tigers, which can grow up to 80 inches long with a 30-inch tail and weigh as much as 670 pounds, are among the largest wild cats. They can live up to 20 years. The Amur tiger, or Siberian tiger, is the most critically endangered subspecies, primarily due to poaching and habitat loss. These tigers are mainly found in the birch forests of Russia, but also inhabit parts of China and North Korea.
While the Amur tiger struggles to survive, there is hope for tiger populations, especially the Bengal tiger in India, where conservation efforts have shown modest recovery.
Chohan’s photos have received positive feedback online, highlighting the importance of continuing to raise awareness about these magnificent creatures and the threats they face.
