20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Gentle Nudge

One of the most spectacular things you can do is watch a tiger mother spend time with her cub. On a morning safari at Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, we noticed five shadowy individuals moving through the undergrowth not long after entering the area. Tigress Lara and her four cubs were there. While witnessing a tiger alone and when it is with its cubs is a completely different experience. When a cub has some candid moments, it melts your heart. How does the mother recognise the cub's needs? How does the cub comprehend the mother's love? a question that has no real answer and can only be perceived. A gentle nudge, a kiss on the forehead, grooming and tending to the cub are all diverse and incredibly beautiful moments that, when photographed, bring us very near to their way of existence.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 06.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2022
Photo Location: Tadoba, India
Camera: NIKON Z 6_2
Copyright: © Narayanan Iyer