RexTalionis: I always wonder - do large predatory animals like tigers or lions recognize their inter-species surrogate mothers after they grow up? Or would instinct prompt them to view those surrogate mothers as simply other prey?

I've always been curious about that as well. In this specific case they said multiple dogs, so who knows of the cubs were with any one dog one long to bond.

I'd have to think overall the bond can't be that strong. Otherwise it would be some kind of backdoor into domesticating big cats (bond them with a dog who obeys humans and get the big cat to pick cues off "mom"). It would be an interesting experiment though to stick a tiger cub with a dog over a period of two years (the normal length of time a cub hangs around mom) and see what happens. Tigers have been known to tolerate lone jackals interacting with them (the jackal gets the tiger's leavings and may help the tiger scout for food) so they might end up tolerating the female dog in the same way.

I'm confused. It's too late for Cursday, and too soon for Caturday...

Cute with a capital Q

RexTalionis: I always wonder - do large predatory animals like tigers or lions recognize their inter-species surrogate mothers after they grow up? Or would instinct prompt them to view those surrogate mothers as simply other prey?

I think for the most part they'd retain the bond with their surrogate mothers their entire lives.

I was at the San Diego Wild Animal park not to long ago and they were walking a cheetah around on a leash with a golden retriever. The keepers said that the Retriever and the Cheetah were raised together because they found out that the Cheetahs when fully grown will be less prone to threatening behavior with a dog friend by their side. Apparently the animal keys off the emotions of the dog so if the dog remains calm in a situation that would be overwhelming for the cheetah the cheetah will remain calm as well because it trusts the dog.

darklingscribe: Cheetahs when fully grown will be less prone to threatening behavior with a dog friend by their side
Aren't we all.

DeadMouseTails: darklingscribe: Cheetahs when fully grown will be less prone to threatening behavior with a dog friend by their side
Aren't we all.

I'm actually least prone to aggressive behavior with a cheetah by my side...