Tigers: Striped Hunters

Deep in the golden-green jungle, little Tala the tiger cub stretches her paws. She looks up at her strong, beautiful mother.

Mother tiger walks proudly through the tall grass. She is the largest cat in the forest, and her stripes hide her perfectly.

Today is the day of the Great Splash! Mother leads Tala through the ferns toward the cool, rushing river.

Cool river spray tickles Tala's nose. Tigers love the water, but she still feels a tiny flutter of nerves as she looks at the waves.

Tala practices stepping softly on dry leaves. Shhh! Her beautiful orange and black stripes blend perfectly with the tall grass.

With a brave leap, she splashes into the cool river! She paddles her strong paws, feeling bolder with every splash.

A sudden gust of wind blows Mother’s bright feather across the deep pool. Tala watches it drift away into the swirling current.

Tala hesitates for a moment, then dives into the swirling pool. She paddles against the strong current with all her might.

With one last mighty kick, Tala reaches the drifting feather. She gently scoops it up in her jaws, victorious!

Tala swims back to the riverbank, holding the feather high. Mother tiger watches her with proud, golden eyes.

Shaking her wet coat dry in the warm sunlight, Tala proudly presents the feather. Mother nuzzles her with a loving, rumbling purr.

Tala looks at her reflection in the quiet water. She is no longer just a little cub, but a brave, strong tiger of the jungle.