A seven-month-old Bengal tiger cub at Shanghai Zoo has captured the hearts of zoogoers and internet users with its feathery fur and cheery personality after overcoming a challenging start in life.
Named Hong Tang, meaning brown sugar, the female cub has been charming visitors with her adorably round face, reddish-brown stripes, and endless playful antics.
"I came here just to see her today. When I see this tiger, I feel like I'm looking at a muscle man acting cute," said a zoo visitor.
"She's a hit on the internet. I saw that she has developed a personality, so I wanted to see her in person," said another visitor.
"She's so cute, just like a big kitty-cat. I would love to pet her," another visitor said.
The fluffy cub was born on August 10, 2024. Tragically, she was rejected by her mother, which would have been a death sentence in the wild. Thankfully, zoo staff were miraculously able to nurse her, bringing her into healthy adolescence.
"She has a lively personality and acts cute for you. Every time we enter, she will lie at the door with her little head sticking out and looking at us. She particularly likes to watch the two striped hyenas quarreling next door," said Jiang Wenting, a zookeeper and caretaker for the cub.
Hong Tang's favorite foods are chicken and beef, according to the zookeeper.
"She is fluffy now. She loves chicken and beef. We also provide beef bones for her to bite," said Jiang.
At seven months old, the cub has reached the equivalent of eight or nine human years. Female tigers generally reach maturity at around three years old.
Tiger cub in Shanghai Zoo claws at heartstrings with struggle-to-stardom story
