Weird Relationship Between Tiger And Goat Ends In A Fight

The unusual friendship between tiger and goat that we blogged about last year has unfortunately come to an end. The long companionship between Timur the goat and Amur the Siberian tiger ended tragically in a fight at the end of January. The unlikely friendship developed when the goat was placed in the tiger’s enclosure as part of the tiger’s twice weekly live animal feeders. The goat shocked spectators by not only refusing to be eaten but also kicking the tiger out of the area where he sleeps.

Weird friendship

The animals seemed to develop a sort of “friendship” and lived together in peace. There was even one occasion where the two animals were observed playing with a soccer ball together. Timur the goat eventually began to grow obese as a result of the relationship. All good things must come to an end, including weird relationships between goats and tigers. Amur the tiger eventually lashed out at the goat following what officials said was weeks of bullying. Apparently the goat had been poking the tiger with his horns, jumping on the tiger and was trying to push it. The big cat then grabbed the goat by its neck and shook it as if it were a kitten.

Unlikely to be reunited

Zoo keepers then entered the enclosure quickly and distracted the tiger as they sought to remove the goat in order to provide him with emergency veterinary treatment. According to officials at the zoo, it is likely that the tiger’s patience was pushed to the limit as a result of a female that was nearby who was in heat. It is hoped that all will eventually be forgiven and the two animals will be reunited but that is unlikely. If you haven’t seen the video of the two animals, we have reposted it again.