Doting Gemma has acted as a surrogate mother for Veda since the tiger cub was a tiny ball of a fur.
The unlikely pair have taken to playing, sleeping and eating together at Myrtle Beach Safari in South Carolina.
Unlikely pair: Veda the tiger and Gemma the dog are inseparable at Myrtle Beach Safari in South Carolina
They were raised side by side at the facility, which helps to educate the public about endangered species while raising money for conservation projects abroad.
Teeth: They may look like they are fighting but Veda the tiger and Gemma the dog are only playing. The Akbash dog has adopted may orphaned cubs at Myrtle Beach Safari in South Carolina
Barking as it seems, the five-year-old Akbash dog happily plays foster mother to help nurture and socialize the many orphaned tiger cubs that are brought into the facility.
The animals will eventually dwarf Gemma and could grow to be more than three-times her body weight.
Surrogate mum: Gemma has helped raise 12 tiger cubs so far at the safari park in South Carolina
‘She’s such a good natured dog that she plays really well with the tiger cubs,’ said Dr. Bhagavan Antle who runs the safari park.
The expert, 54, has been living and working with apex predators for over 30 years.
‘Gemma has helped raise 12 tiger cubs so far, so she’s a pro,’ he said.
Instinct: The dog has stepped into the void by becoming surrogage mum to a number of orphaned tiger cubs
Tough love: Veda the tiger and Gemma the dog square up while playing. The Akbash dog has helped teach natural hunting skills to 12 toger cubs