May 17 2007
A mixed breed farm dog called 'Huani' is nursing not only her own newborn puppy but also newborn tiger triplets in Jinan Paomaling Wild Animal World in Shandong province, in Eastern China. The triplets mother rejected them shortly after their birth on the 10th May 2007.
It is common practice for Chinese zoos to use surrogate dog mothers to nurse rejected tiger cubs. Huani is not new to this situation as she has nursed tiger cubs previously in Paomaling.
Huani is expected to continue feeding and looking after the triplets for around a month or until their appetites exceed her supply. All members of this mixed adoptive family are happy and healthy and continue to enjoy each other's company.