Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

In pictures: Monk's best friend? Buddhist priest hugs tiger

 

Neela Debnath
Thursday 30 May 2013 12:41 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

While dogs are traditionally thought to be man's best friend, one monk has been spotted cuddling up to a rather large cat.

In a series of stunning shots, a monk at the Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi, Thailand has been photographed hugging and feeding one of the resident tigers.

The temple, which was founded in 1994, has around 100 tigers who live side by side with Bhuddist monks, and from the images it appears that the animals are very close to their human companions.

Many of the tigers are brought to the temple as cubs and grow up around humans, tourists who visit are even able to pet and interact with the animals.

Although the temple has attracted criticism from wildlife groups, who say that the animals are not cared for properly, the organisation insists that the tigers are well looked after and plans to eventually release them back into the wild.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in