One of my favourite forests to explore is the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, which never ceases to amaze me. My latest trips to this enchanted land were fortunate to grant me sightings that allowed me to witness firsthand the challenges a tiger mother faces. She left the cubs behind and went in search of food on her own for days, trusting they would be safe. For the safety of the cubs, she lured the challenging males away from where they were hiding, occasionally going one step further and gratifying the males by staging a fake or false mating. When she did come back, she gave the cubs her undivided attention by playing with them, grooming them, etc. This offered me the chance to photograph them as well as observe the tender moment for which I had waited years. I've grown even more in love with this gorgeous cat as a result of seeing this entire behaviour.