Pouncing for protection: Tiger cub defends mom from brother’s ‘attacks’

Playtime is the way children learn. The same can be said in the animal world.

>> Read more trending news

A tiger cam at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York, captured a tiger cub “attacking” his mom.

Mom Zeya — who could have taken him out in one swipe — just takes all the bats and bites he dishes out. Once in a while, she gives him a bop from her massive paw, but nothing that hurts him. She also gives him a lick or two.

The play attacks continue until a second cub, his sister, comes in and pounces on her brother.

Zoo officials said Zeya was only teaching her cubs what to do and that it was all in fun based on “her relaxed body language.”

See for yourself in the video below or click here: