Unlikely Family: Bulldog Adopts Lion and Tiger Cubs in Heartwarming Bond
In a heartwarming tale from Port Elizabeth, South Africa, a bulldog named Hugo has taken on an unexpected role as a father figure to two unlikely companions: a white lion cub named Igor and a white Bengal tiger cub named Ice.
Or Lazmi, a 26-year-old former vet assistant, hand-reared the cubs and introduced them to Hugo at a young age. Despite their differences in species, Hugo has embraced his role, engaging in playtime, discipline, and even family outings with his adopted cubs.
The bond between Hugo and the cubs has blossomed through regular interaction and shared experiences, including walks and swims. While Hugo maintains his authority for now, Lazmi acknowledges that as Igor and Ice grow, their dynamic may shift due to their eventual size advantage.
Raised with care and affection, Igor and Ice spend their days at Seaview Predator Park before returning home to Lazmi’s residence, where they share living quarters with Hugo. This close-knit arrangement reflects the commitment to fostering a safe environment for the cubs to interact with humans and other animals.
As Igor and Ice continue to grow rapidly on a diet of ribs and bottle feeds, the challenge of managing their size difference becomes apparent. While Hugo’s weight tops out at seven stone, Igor is expected to reach 28 stone, and Ice nearly 40 stone. This significant gap raises concerns about potential safety issues, prompting Lazmi to monitor their interactions closely.
While the future remains uncertain, the bond forged between Hugo, Igor, and Ice serves as a testament to the power of companionship and the remarkable capacity for different species to form meaningful connections. Despite the challenges ahead, their story exemplifies the beauty of unconditional love and acceptance across species boundaries.
