Siberian Tiger Cubs Enjoy a Playful Bath with Their Mother

A series of enchanting photographs captures an endearing scene as a mother Siberian tiger lovingly cleanses her mischievous cubs, revealing a whole new level of affectionate care.

Photographer Eric Cunha had the privilege of witnessing and documenting these precious moments between the rare Siberian tiger family at the Parc des Felins in Seine-et-Marne, France.

The mother’s determination to complete the task is evident as she skillfully uses her massive paws to keep her playful cubs in place.

Although the young tigers initially sported unimpressed expressions, they couldn’t escape their mother’s devoted grooming.

Each cub receives a thorough licking, emphasizing the profound bond they share. These delightful scenes showcase the unexpected tenderness exhibited by these magnificent creatures.

Eric Cunha, a photographer based in Paris, spent several days observing and capturing the tigers in their expansive enclosures.

To capture these captivating shots, Cunha utilized powerful telephoto lenses due to the large size of the enclosures.

The images have gained significant attention, leaving people in awe of the affectionate behavior demonstrated by these majestic cats towards their offspring.

Siberian tigers, also known as Amur tigers, are a subspecies primarily found in the Sikhote Alin mountain region, with a small population in the southwest Primorye province of the Russian Far East.

Conservation efforts have helped maintain the relatively stable population of these tigers for over a decade. However, concerns persist regarding the declining population in Russia.

Unlike Bengal tigers, Siberian tigers rarely pose a threat to humans. The Tungusic people held the Siberian tiger in high regard, often referring to it as “Grandfather” or “Old man.”

Similarly, the Manchu considered the Siberian tiger as Hu Lin, meaning the king. Even during the Manchu Qing Dynasty, the most esteemed unit of the Chinese Imperial Army was named Hu Shen Ying, translating to “The Tiger God Battalion.”

These captivating photographs not only depict the adorable moments shared by the Siberian tiger family but also emphasize the significance of conservation efforts in ensuring the survival of these majestic creatures for future generations.