Watch: Tiger cubs play 'kabaddi' as mom acts 'referee'; viral video becomes the internet's newest obsession

Time of India

21-06-2025

There's something universally heart-melting about baby animals being goofy, but tiger cubs? That's next-level cute. A video recently shared on X (formerly Twitter) by former Indian Forest Service officer Susanta Nanda is making the rounds online—and for all the right reasons.
It features a bunch of tiger cubs just… being cubs. Rolling around, chasing each other, tumbling over sticks and leaves, and generally turning the forest into their personal playground.
The video clip was posted with the caption, "No sight can beat this from our forest. Sheer bliss".
It's not just a treat for wildlife lovers; it's pure serotonin in video form.
The clip opens with the young cubs bouncing out from the undergrowth, already buzzing with energy.
They're not sneaky hunters yet—just tiny fluffballs with stripes and oversized paws that haven't quite figured out how to use their legs properly. You can almost hear their inner monologue: 'Tag! You're it!' One cub pounces on another, they roll around, then zip off like furry torpedoes through the dry leaves.
They're clearly having the time of their lives, completely unaware that they've become viral celebrities in the human world.
Mom's on duty—but not hovering
As the cubs go full chaos mode, their mother watches from a short distance. Calm, majestic, and completely unbothered. She doesn't interfere or call them back—she's just observing, making sure they don't stray too far or get into real trouble. It's the kind of patient parenting that a lot of humans could probably learn from.
Viewers loved this detail. It's not just about the cubs being cute; it's also a touching glimpse into tiger family dynamics.
She lets them explore, but she's ready to leap into action if needed. Powerful and tender all at once.
The internet can't deal with the cuteness
Within hours of being posted, the video racked up thousands of views and hundreds of comments. People flooded the replies with heart emojis, awe-struck gifs.
"Wow! It symbolises a thriving ecology due to the relentless effort of a team of passionate foresters," writes one user. "Children playing kabaddi and mother is the referee ! A sight to cherish for a lifetime and beyond!," writes another.
Some even joked about wanting to trade their lives in the concrete jungle for a day in that jungle—just to get a front-row seat to these mini tiger Olympics.
Wildlife clips often go viral, but something about this one feels special. Maybe it's the combination of raw joy, natural beauty, and the unfiltered playfulness of wild cubs. We usually see tigers as silent predators, apex hunters built for stealth and strength. But this video is a powerful reminder that before they become kings and queens of the jungle, they're just kids.
Curious, clumsy, and full of energy.
And honestly? That's what makes the video so charming. It shows that wildness and warmth can coexist. And in a world that often feels overwhelming, seeing something this pure just… hits different.
So if you haven't already seen the clip, do yourself a favor. Watch it. Smile. Maybe watch it again.