There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
One of the most beautiful sights within my visit to the private sanctuary were both the lion and tiger cubs. Lion cubs were separated from the tiger cubs, of course.
For one, these cubs were fed freshly-killed flesh from giraffes, buffalos, and wildebeests. So they had a good amount of nutritional support from the owner.
Two, the roudiness. As other young animals, the cubs were excited and rambunctious within their movements as soon as they caught sight of us with some buffalo meat on our hands. One of the lion cubs even clawed my mother's forearm by accident, resulting in me helping her stop the blood flow (not shown here, hopefully!)
Three, their strength. Even as young cubs of less than 80-pounds, their strength (especially tugging strength) was phenomenal. I was still strong back then, weighing in at 220-pounds. One of them became agitated at another one for taking too big of a chunk, one thing led to another, and....
...all of a sudden, I was being dragged on the rough, sandy ground. The agitated cub was dragging me with both of its forepaws. He only managed to drag me two meters (and quickly, too!) before he let go to dispute with his similar companion. Despite their claws (luckily wore jeans), they had proven to be quite strong as well.
Cuddling time:
Right before the agitation:
As for the tiger cubs, they were more reserved (still a bit hyper-active, though).
