Golden retriever adopts tiger cubs at Kansas zoo

by JeffHuang | July 30, 2008 at 02:52 pm

2353 views | 4 Recommendations | 27 comments

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Golden Retriever Adult Pedigree Dog

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My last animal post was about a pitbull attacking a boy. I would like to redeem myself and post on a positive animal story.

This story reminds me of The Lion King when Simba wandered off and Timone and Pumba had to care for him. However, this is not a movie and a golden retriever took in the cubs when the mother stopped caring for them.

I wonder what happens in the future. How long will the cubs stay with the golden retriever and what it is going to be like when they are fully grown. I guess adopting is not only practiced by humans, but animals as well.

A dog at a southeast Kansas zoo has adopted three tiger cubs abandoned by their mother. Safari Zoological Park owner Tom Harvey said the tiger cubs were born Sunday, but the mother had problems with them.

A day later, the mother stopped caring for them. Harvey said the cubs were wandering around, trying to find their birth mother, who wouldn't pay attention to them. That's when the cubs were put in the care of a golden retriever, Harvey said.

Harvey said it's unusual for dogs to care for tiger cubs, but it does happen. He said he has seen reports of pigs nursing cubs in China, and he actually got the golden retriever after his wife saw television accounts of dogs caring for tiger cubs.

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t1nk

at 19:25 on July 30th, 2008

When I was younger, my dog raised a kitten we'd found that got lost from it's mother. The dog nursed it and took the kitten as it's own. This story reminded me of them. My kitten grew into a great big (house) cat and the both of them (the dog and cat) were the best of friends... it'd be cool if that's how the cubs are with the golden, heh.

Jojoh

at 20:00 on July 30th, 2008

very interesting post, good stuff

Amber Aanensen

at 20:46 on July 30th, 2008

Golden retrievers are such great dogs. Awesome story!

Amber Aanensen has contributed a photo to this story.

Zak Harris Photography

at 22:08 on July 30th, 2008

Golden Retrievers are the ONLY dog I like XD

This story makes me happy to have one!

adiarifin

at 21:28 on July 30th, 2008

I guest they will still grow like a lion, but love their dog mother. I am just curious on how can the golden retriever afford to milk the lion babies which I guess drink more than puppies.

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pipercat99

at 21:50 on July 30th, 2008

This is my dog, Casey (the Golden Retriever mix), and a friend she made at Cuesta Park in Mountan View, CA called Teddy Bear.

Cuesta Park is a fantastic place to bring your dog and socialize!

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AmberH (not verified)

at 13:24 on November 23rd, 2008

That is such a great picture!

Yogui G

at 22:36 on July 30th, 2008

He is my friend Otto. Sorry, but we bark better in spanish... We live in Oviedo, a little city in the north of Spain. http://yogui07.blogspot.com

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AmberH (not verified)

at 13:25 on November 23rd, 2008

Otto is beautiful! And very regal, the way he holds his head so high!

AmberH (not verified)

at 13:26 on November 23rd, 2008

Otto is beautiful! And very regal, the way he holds his head so high!

Justine H (not verified)

at 22:48 on July 30th, 2008

It doesn't suprise me that a Goldie is helping out these poor cubs. Goldies have got to be the most patient dog I have ever met, loyal, caring and loving above most other breeds.

roseinthedark

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 00:13 on July 31st, 2008

A positive story, a symbol of free love that animals give.

Thank you to share!

Rachele (aka roseinthedark).

Dana Andrei

at 00:40 on July 31st, 2008

Great story! I think goldies are the greatest dogs ever. They are caring and loving. They have a strong sense of loyality. Dogs trust you with their lives. And a dog will always be a best friend. He will stand beside you no matter what.

insane blaine

at 00:43 on July 31st, 2008

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cengerrand

at 02:38 on July 31st, 2008

This picture is of my baby golden retriever. It is always amazing to see stories like this.

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India y la Luna

at 03:05 on July 31st, 2008

This is Lola, she's 2 months old, she was born the 25th of May 2008...She's adorable and my little 3 years old gilr, loves her!!!!

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jaymegliv3

at 03:19 on July 31st, 2008

This is my Sydney. He is the best. You can't ask for anything better than a Golden. Loving and loyal, he is always there for us. Great with the children and forever ready to go any where with you. I had a Golden mix as a child and she is the reason why I have Syd today. I love this story about the cubs. Just shows you what they can and will do.

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amy mcgibbon

at 03:42 on July 31st, 2008

Not surprising, Goldens are extremely compassionate and aware of those in need. My Golden is the first dog I've ever owned, and although I was impulsive in getting him, I would do it again hands down!

aubrey.jones

at 04:50 on July 31st, 2008

This certainly doesn't suprise me.... I once licked a squirrel back to life....

Keep on Wagging!

Max the Golden Retriever

NedKelly

at 06:39 on July 31st, 2008

That is a wonderful story. They are indeed a beautiful breed.

spartanln

at 08:04 on July 31st, 2008

little Rico checks Bear out as he waits patiently to play.

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jenniferfwtx

at 13:46 on July 31st, 2008

I've raised Golden's for years....Of course...they have a nurturing nature like no other animal...Great Article!

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littlelake_171

at 18:19 on July 31st, 2008

This is my sweet love , Chance, who passed away July 17, 2008 from prostate cancer.

littlelake_171 has contributed a photo to this story.

jessica.lam

at 08:03 on August 1st, 2008

haha! yes. and those who love animals can check out this mirroring story http://www.nowpublic.com/strange/100-year-old-tortoise-acts-mom-baby-hippo

chumeiavineyards

at 09:58 on August 1st, 2008

This is Cristo, one of Chumeia Vineyard's winery superdogs! This is when he was a puppy, before Mark and Julie Nesbitt adopted him from a retriever rescue group.

Stop by the winery in Paso Robles and see all the dogs! They are usually around the tasting room!

chumeiavineyards has contributed a photo to this story.