That feline best friend: Adorable photos show inseparable tiger and lion cubs before their animal instincts kick in
These endearing photographs show how two newborn babies in a Japanese zoo have become the best of friends, even though big cats are not usually known for their friendliness. 
The new arrivals, a lion cub and a tiger cub, are seen playing with each other as if they were brothers.
As they sleep side by side, they seem totally unaware of their distinctions.
And it seems that their instincts have not yet developed, as they have been observed snuggling with rabbits.
The photo was taken at African Safari in the southern prefecture of Oita, where the animals were born earlier this year.
Zoo staff have shared images of the adorable cub on Twitter, where thousands of users have since admired them. 
This year, these endearing lion and tiger cubs were born at African Safari in Japan’s Oita prefecture. 
Zoo staff have been sharing these endearing photos over the past few weeks, causing thousands of people to gush over them. 
The two cubs seem oblivious to the fact that they are different species as they snuggle together (left). The lion cub does get sleepy. 
The images reveal that the creatures have not yet developed their animal instincts. Above, a tiger cub snuggles with a rabbit in the menagerie. 
The tiger cub on the left can be seen sniffing out the rabbits, who appear to be unafraid of the big cat, while the lion cub on the right appears to be eyeing its prey. 
As they play fight (left) and frolic in the grass (right), the cubs appear to have been destined to be siblings. 
Park employees commented on Twitter that, despite its youth, the juvenile lion in this photograph resembles a leopard.
Hug me! African Safari has a pet collection where visitors can take photos with furry animals, for now.
No images please! The tiger cub appears camera shy as he shields his face while lying on the ground.
There are currently several groups of tiger and lion cubs in the park, but this pair has formed an unlikely bond. 
Although these tiny creatures appear small in photographs, staff members reported on Twitter that they are expanding rapidly.
The entrance fee to the safari park is 2,500 yen (£18.09) for adults and 1,400 yen (£10.13) for children, with additional fees for certain areas.
