Two white tiger kittens were separated from their mother after their sanctuary flooded during a cyclone.
They have subsequently found an unexpected surrogate mother in the form of chimp Anjana, who is caring for the cubs.
Even the most jaded heart will melt when they see these lovely photographs. The two-year-old chimp has been assisting keeper China York in caring for the 21-day-old pups at South Carolina’s The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (TIGERS).
‘Mitra and Shiva were born during Hurricane Hannah,’ claimed TIGERS founder Dr Bhagavan. “Everything flooded in the sanctuary at that period, and they had to be transferred into the home as their mother grew stressed.”
‘It was critical that they were separated for their protection.’
The cubs have become virtually attached to their new motherly figures after being placed in the care of newborn animal care worker China and her chimp partner, Anjna.
‘China’s involvement is caring for hundreds of animals after they are born,’ Dr Bhagavan added.
‘Anjana has been with China since she was born and has assisted her in caring for and nurturing newborn animals.
‘So she assisted her by acting as a surrogate mother for these animals, and she has done the same with these infant white tigers.’
‘She gives them a bottle, lays with them, and serves as their surrogate mother.’ She has a close contact and relationship with them, and she nurtures them.’
China has cared for Anjana the female monkey since her birth, and the two have been inseparable ever since. As a result, Anjana has adopted China’s compassionate attitude.
‘She has reared leopards, lions, and orangutans,’ Dr Bhagavan stated. ‘Monkey see, monkey do, and she has adopted this copycat attitude and assists China in raising the animals.’ She recently finished rearing four lions who were inseparable. She is an excellent helper.’
The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species is a wildlife education organization devoted to promote worldwide conservation via interactive programs that are informative, educational, and entertaining.
