One thing that an animal lover might not expect is the friendships that develop between different species of animals. While seeming to be unlikely, this sort of thing happens all of the time. A great example of interspecies friendship is the tale of a Siberian Tiger named Suria and a pack of German shepherds.

The Oasis of the Siberian Tiger

Suria was born in 2013 at the Oasis of the Siberian Tiger in Slovakia. A Siberian tiger, Suria’s species is on the endangered species list. But through the efforts of organizations, such as the Oasis of the Siberian Tiger, and its founder, Yvetea Irsova, it is hoped that the species can be saved.

Suria and a group of German Shepherds quickly became friends

At the same time as Suria’s birth, the park also took in a litter of German shepherd puppies named Blacky, Hugo, and Jenny. The bond the four developed defied explanation. But, surprisingly, the four began to play together as soon as they could walk.

Before too long, the Siberian tiger and her German shepherd friends were spending all of their time together. Irsova figured the animals would grow less fond of each other over time, but that was far from the case. In fact, as the months went on, the friends showed little signs of tiring of each other.

The foursome grew up together

And so, it continued, even into adulthood, with the dogs and their tiger friend as close as ever. Eventually, Suria became pregnant. And while Suria did have less energy, the dogs continued to support her, even if they backed off a little with their play.

Suria has a cub

When Suria went into labor, she was naturally separated from her doggie friends. Anxious to see her, the German shepherds and Suria were eventually allowed back together. As for Suria’s cub, Sunny, he too was eventually introduced to the three dogs.

Welcoming Suria’s cub into the family

Of course, the German shepherds couldn’t get enough of the new addition to their circle of friends, and soon he was playing right along with him. Pleased to see Suria, the dogs were also happy to have Sunny as a friend, and a strong bond quickly formed between him and the dogs.

As with most family groups, Sunny grew up and formed friendships outside of the circle of friends, but he still likes to hang out with the groups of German shepherds. Regardless, the dogs still have Suria to hang out with.

A place for tigers to live, play, and grow

Currently, the Oasis of the Siberian Tiger Sanctuary has 21 tigers within its confines. There they have access to a variety of amenities, including a pool and a shelter to spend the night in. In addition, Suria has her group of doggo friends to keep her company.

For more of Suria and her German shepherd friends, check out the video below.

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Sources: Facebook – Oáza Sibírskeho Tigra, Oasis of the Siberian Tiger, Facebook – Life · Love · Dogs, The Movie