When these five baby animals were all abandoned by their mothers their chances of survival were slim.
Special bond: Five of nature’s most fearful beasts have formed a bond – after they were abandoned by their mothers
Bright future: The babies – three lions, a tiger, and a spotted hyena are having a roaring good time at the Akwaaba Lodge in Rustenburg, South Africa, where they live under one roof
Layla said: ‘They do squabble over food and the dominant one – the tiger – will come and take her share first. But I try to ensure that all the animals get the same amount and the same cut of meat to prevent them from fighting. After meal times they usually cuddle up together and have a nap’
Leader: Bella the tiger, is five months and is the leader of the pack, while the three lions, Delano, Romeo and Maximus, are also five months
‘In the wild, they would not have stood a chance of survival without their mother’s protection. So it’s nice to see them growing up together.’
Bella the tiger, five months, is the leader of the pack, while the three lions, Delano, Romeo and Maximus, are also five months, but more timid.
Meanwhile the eldest – Milika the hyena, six months – is the most mischievous in the motley crew.
Time for tea: The five orphans all hungrily gather around a piece of meat at dinner time
Naughty: Layla said: ‘The naughtiest of them all is Milika – she’s very boisterous and likes to play fight with her siblings’
Mischievous: The eldest – Milika the hyena, six months – is the most mischievous in the motley crew
But these cute cuddly creatures will transform into predators in two year’s time – so they will be split up and live in separate enclosures.
Learning from their elders: A tiger cub and lion cub play together at the Akwaaba Lodge in Rustenburg, South Africa
Good friends: The animals share the same living enclosures and even share meal times together
Apart: These cute cuddly creatures will transform into predators in two year’s time – so they will be split up and live in separate enclosures
Care: The owner of the four- star hotel, Layla Cajee, has raised the cubs from birth
Sleep hard, play hard: Two lion cubs relax at the Akwaaba Lodge in Rustenburg