Bengal Tiger and Her Cubs Seek Refuge from Sweltering 44C Heat in Rajasthan, India.

The unbearable heat in Rajasthan, India, with temperatures reaching a scorching 44C, has forced local wildlife to seek refuge.

Among them are a Bengal tiger named Noor and her two young cubs, captured taking a cooling dip in a shallow pond.

We’ve got it licked: Tigress Noor treats he cubs to a leisurely grooming session in a shallow pool to escape the blistering 44C heat of the Indian summer

Just three months prior, Noor became a proud mother to these cubs. The family resided in a cave in the Ranthambore National Park, offering much-needed shelter from the blazing sun.

However, when the heat became intolerable, Noor took her cubs to the waterside for relief.

Thanks, Mum, that was really cool! Raring to go again after a soothing dip, a cub rewards Noor with an affectionate nuzzle

Wildlife photographer Andy Rouse, hailing from Wales, captured this extraordinary sight. Rouse and his companions were the first people to observe the cubs. They came upon the mother and her playful cubs while out and about in the park.

“We stumbled upon her on the road. Soon after, we spotted her cubs – one was playfully prancing around. She gently picked it up with her mouth and guided her cubs to the water for a cool-down,” said Rouse.

“I’ve had countless wildlife experiences, but this is a standout moment. Witnessing something this rare is truly special.”