Tiger meets crocodile! A photographer has captured this incredibly rare encounter between predators as curious tigers inspect a crocodile.
Wildlife photographer Kim Sullivan said that witnessing the cubs’ fascination with this typically forbidden sight was captivating.
Sullivan was on a morning safari in the heart of Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, India, when the group settled near the iconic Raj Bagh.
Photographer Kim Sullivan, from Bloomington, Indiana, explained that their attention was drawn to a large crocodile on the bank, an unusual sight at such an early hour.
“The cubs, under their mother’s watchful eye, became intrigued by the presence of the dangerous predator nearby,” Sullivan explained.
“Despite being taught to stay away from such creatures, their curiosity led them closer to the crocodile.”
The cubs cautiously inspected the crocodile…
The tiger approaches…
The big cat inspects the reptile.
The tiger cozies up to the croc.
A closer look…
The cubs inspect the croc.
“We observed their interactions until each cub satisfied their curiosity and returned to their mother,” Sullivan said. “It was amusing to see them cautiously poke the crocodile and retreat, anticipating a reaction that never came.”
The cubs safely at ease after the unusual encounter.