Unlikely Mommy! Dog Adopts Orphaned Tiger Cubs at Russian Zoo

An unexpected family is flourishing in Sochi, Russia, as a Shar-Pei dog named Cleopatra has taken on the role of mother to two abandoned Siberian tiger cubs.

ADVERTISEMENT

The situation presented itself when the biological mother neglected the newborn cubs at the local zoo.

Article 2156030 137B2199000005Dc
Special bond: Cleopatra the Shar Pei feeds her two adoptive children. When the two cubs’ mother refused to feed them, Cleopatra took over mothering duties and is now giving them all her attention, zoo workers have said.

Cleopatra, already a new mother to a litter of her puppies, didn’t hesitate to take in the orphaned tiger cubs, Clyopa and Plyusha.

ADVERTISEMENT

Exhibiting remarkable maternal instincts, she promptly stepped in to feed and clean the helpless duo, fully embracing them as part of her pack.

Article 0 13E0Ccc9000005Dc
Playful: Siberian tiger cub Plyusha gets the better of Shar-Pei puppy Fighter in the house in Socha, Russia.

The new, unconventional family now shares a home in Western Sochi. Their house is also home to Masyanya the cat and their owner, Yekaterina Khodakova.

The tiger cubs are typical youngsters, frolicking around the house, engaging in playful bouts with their canine siblings, and enjoying their adopted mother’s care.

ADVERTISEMENT

The miraculous story started in late May at the Oktyabrsky Health Resort’s zoo in Sochi, where the cubs were born.

Article 0 13E0Cd1E000005Dc
Watch out: Clyopa stalks past 18-month-old baby Gleb, who shares the house with dogs, cats, and tigers.

The zoo’s assistant director, Viktoria Kudlayeva, revealed Cleopatra’s immediate fondness for the tiger cubs. She reported that the protective dog treats the cubs as her own, even going to sleep with them.

Despite the young tigers showing early signs of their wild nature, such as baring their claws and hissing, Kudlayeva reassures that they pose no threat to their adoptive mother.

ADVERTISEMENT

The bond between the dog and her adopted tiger cubs remains strong, as the cubs rely on Cleopatra for nourishment and care.

Article 0 13E0Cd27000005Dc
Tussle: Clyopa battles with cat Masyanya. The month-old cubs have been welcomed into the house.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article 0 13E0Cd30000005Dc
Get off me! Plyusha and their adoptive sibling Fighter playfight in the house of Yekaterina Khodakova.

This heartwarming tale carries a sobering undertone, considering the plight of Siberian tigers, also referred to as Ussuri, Amur, or Manchurian tigers.

With fewer than 400 left in the wild, primarily in Russia’s Far East, these cubs’ survival is crucial for the species.

ADVERTISEMENT
Article 0 13E0Cdbc000005Dc
New mother Cleopatra feeds Clyopa. The dog has mothered the tiger cubs since their mother abandoned them.
Article 0 13E0Cd7E000005Dc
Caring: Yekaterina Khodakova looks after the menagerie of pets and her 18-month-old son Gleb.

Read more Wildlife News.


ADVERTISEMENT

Canidae Pet Food Reviews: An In-Depth Look

Choosing the right pet food is crucial for the health and well-being of our furry friends. In this blog post, we'll delve deep into Canidae pet food, a popular choice among pet owners, and provide an in-depth review based on various sources.

Canidae is a well-known brand in the pet food industry, offering a range of products designed to cater to pets of all ages, breeds, and sizes.

Product Range:

  • Canidae All-Life Stages (Dry): This vet-formulated product suits dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. It's available in both dry and wet formulas.
  •  Canidae Pure: A limited-ingredient diet crafted for dogs with food sensitivities. Each recipe typically includes 7 to 10 ingredients.

Key Ingredients

The Canidae All Life Stages Multi Protein Formula, which represents the brand's product line, contains ingredients like chicken meal, turkey meal, brown rice, peas, oatmeal, and barley. Chicken meal, the primary ingredient, is a meat concentrate with nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.

Recalls and Safety

Canidae has had recalls in the past. It's essential to stay updated with the brand's recall history to ensure your pet's safety.

Customer Reviews

The Canidae Dog Food product line has earned an overall rating of 4.5 stars from The Dog Food Advisor. The Canidae All Life Stages Dog Food has received the Advisor's second-highest tier rating of 4.5 stars.

Pros and Cons:

  • Pros: High protein content, suitable for all life stages, contains beneficial ingredients like flaxseed and taurine.
  •  Cons: It contains some controversial ingredients, and not all minerals are chelated, which might affect absorption.

Conclusion

Canidae All Life Stages is a grain-inclusive dry dog food that uses a notable amount of named meat meals as its primary source of animal protein. With an above-average protein content and a profile suggesting a significant amount of meat, it comes highly recommended for pet owners.