Followers of the park’s official Twitter account have been oohing and aahing over photos of the pair. Over the last few weeks, African Safari has really been melting hearts by sharing a stream of photos showing the lion and tiger cub cuddling, playing, and generally acting like big cat best buds.

Tiger hugs look every bit as awesome as bear hugs.

“Hey, what do you wanna be when you grow up?”
“Hmmm... I guess an apex predator, like my mom and dad.”
“No way! Me too!”

In addition to the rare chance to see the species interacting, there’s just something endearing about seeing two iconic carnivores in such soft and cuddly versions.

As a further example of how their hunter instincts are yet to fully kick in, other photos show the young tiger frolicking with furry friends who could also function as food.

But just like humans sometimes have to part ways with their childhood friends, so too is their time together limited. Eventually, they’ll be placed in the separate habitats for their respective species, a move which African Safari says will probably happen about two months from now.

Hopefully even after they reach adulthood, though, they’ll retain some warm, fuzzy memories of their warm, fuzzy naps together.

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