No, I'm top cat! Tiger stands up for himself at British zoo

By Katherine Faulkner

Standing up for himself: The Siberian tiger shows his rival who's boss at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire


Whether you're in the wilds of Siberia or deepest Bedfordshire, there comes a time in every tiger's life when you have to stand up for yourself.

And this big cat left its impudent rival in no doubt who's the boss.

Rearing up on its hind legs, front paws outstretched, it made a fearsome sight which served to settle an argument-without the need for bloodshed.

The clash between two rare Siberian tigers was captured by Edward Grant, from London, on a visit to Whipsnade Zoo.

The solitary creatures are fiercely territorial and, as the picture clearly shows, can become aggressive when another animal threatens to encroach on their living space.

Only about 450 Siberian tigers still live in the wild, mainly in eastern Russia's birch forests, though there are some in China and North Korea.

They are the largest cats in the world, with males reaching almost 11ft from nose to tail and weighing up to 670lb. Bears form a significant part of their diet.


source: dailymail