Their time together is limited, but for now, these two make an adorable pair.

While it’s home to a variety of animals great and small, the lions and tigers are no doubt two of the most popular sights at wild animal park African Safari, located in Japan’s Oita Prefecture. Both of those big draws have welcomed new additions this year, with both a tiny tiger and a little lion being born recently.

Followers of the park’s official Twitter account have been oohing and aahing over photos of the pair, and over the last few weeks, African Safari has really been melting hearts by sharing a stream of photos showing the lion and tiger cub cuddling, playing, and generally acting like big cat best buds.

▼ Tiger hugs look every bit as awesome as bear hugs.

▼ “Hey, what do you wanna be when you grow up?”
“Hmmm…I guess an apex predator, like my mom and dad.”
“No way! Me too!”

In addition to the rare chance to see the species interacting, there’s just something endearing about seeing two iconic carnivores in such soft and cuddly versions.

As a further example of how their hunter instincts are yet to fully kick in, other photos show the young tiger frolicking with furry friends who could also function as food for it.

But just like humans sometimes have to part ways with their childhood friends, so too is these cubs’ time together limited. Eventually, they’ll be placed in the separate habitats for their respective species, a move which African Safari says will probably happen about two months from now.

Hopefully even after they reach adulthood, though, they’ll retain some warm, fuzzy memories of their warm, fuzzy naps together.

Park information
African Safari / アフリカンサファリ
Address: Oita-ken, Usa-shi, Ajimumachi, Minamihata 2-1755-1
大分県宇佐市安心院町南畑2−1755−1
Admission: 2,500 yen (adults), 1,400 yen (children ages 4-14)
Open; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Website

Source: IT Media