It seems that love is in the air at a Scottish wildlife park after a pair of rare tigers were introduced for the first time.
Male Amur tiger Botzman only arrived at the Highland Wildlife Park near Aviemore in October but it appears he is already making a big impression.
Resident female Amur tiger Dominika appears to be smitten with the new arrival after the pair were caught together on camera for the first time.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland stated that they began carefully introducing the pair in November and, following promising behavioral cues, finally brought them together last week.
Staff at the wildlife conservation charity say they are encouraged by how well the new couple are getting on so far.
Posting on their official Facebook page, the team wrote: "Botzman and Dominika, our Amur tigers, were recently introduced by our expert keepers and it's safe to say, so far they're kitten... oops, we mean smitten. Fingers crossed for the pitter patter of tiny stripy paws in the future."
They are hopeful they will have cubs in the future as part of the European endangered species breeding programme.
Born in Moscow, Botzman, who is now 9-years-old has spent the last eight years at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo near Dunstable, Bedfordshire, where he fathered three cubs in 2018.
Amur tigers originate from far eastern Russia and northeast China, but the species is at threat from poachers, with only around 500 thought to be left in the wild.
Highland Wildlife Park is currently closed due to Covid19 restrictions.
If you wish to help feed and care for the animals - the park has set up a special page for donations here: highlandwildlifepark.org.uk/help
