Tiger Cubs

Way back... long ago... back in August/September, when we thought our Auburn Tigers would win football games, Auburn was electric.  There were activities around every corner on game weekends.  The Auburn University Conference Center, hosted tiger cubs from the Gulf Shores Zoo.  Mother and I went "early" to get-in-line to let the boys see the cubs.  Early was 30 minutes early and the line was wrapped around the AU conference center.  They said the wait was an hour or more... no thank you!  Luckily, Kaki and I had not talked the event up too much, and we just moved on.  

A few weeks later, the Auburn University Club welcomed the tigers back to Auburn.  This time, the event was more our style.  Book an appointment online, pay a fee, and go see the cubs.  Now, we were all excited.  I talked the event up to the boys, we wore our game day attire, and we were off to see the two new additions to the Zoo.  

Morris, well, he can be funny.  He is not a daredevil.  He is nervous about jumping off the diving board, jumping off things that are too high, etc.  But, give him an animal, a mascot, or a man in a costume and he is READY!  I knew the tiger cubs would be right up his alley.  

Thomas, he is my fearful one: animal, costume, or mascot... MOMMA... NO!!  He wants to stay as close as he can get to me.  Climbing on the counter, jumping into the pool, trying to get his leg out of the crib... that's sweet Baby T, daredevil     

Thomas and Morris... complete opposites!  Because of their differences, I wasn't sure how the event would go. 

 

When we arrived, one of the cubs was a tiny bit rowdy and getting ready for his bottle.  I think Morris was anxious.  The tiger was growling and licking his lips.  I was surprised, because Morris has never acted this way.  But, if you could have seen the tiger, to only be three months old, his growl was ferocious.  I think the cub saw juicy Thomas as a delectable meal.  By this point, Thomas was already nervous as a cat.  He was grasping Kaki and I tight and was in no way interested in a picture.  

The trainer fed the cub, she even invited Morris to help hold the bottle.  The boys to be honest were a little scared and unsure of how "active" the cub might be.  Kaki and I did our best to take a few shots. 

 

Visiting the cubs was truly a great event.  How many times in your life are you close enough to pet a tiger and have your picture made.  I am sure Morris and Thomas will never remember this, but I am proud to say we made the effort.  

Our tiger cub day was capped off by having drinks and dinner with my AOII sisters.  Four girls that are amazing women and great friends.  I never would have known them if it wasn't for AOII.  I am proud to call them sisters and friends.  

Cheers to Tiger Cubs and AOII's!