The story of the Bengal tigress Sai Mai at the Sriracha Tiger Zoo in Thailand became a global sensation, touching millions of hearts. Following childbirth, Sai Mai suffered a profound collapse after losing her own cubs. Like many mammals, the grieving mother became restless, distressed, and clearly exhibited the classic signs of maternal bereavement due to the lack of young to care for.

To prevent a prolonged emotional spiral and help Sai Mai recover her nurturing instinct, the zoo staff decided to implement a risky but compassionate experiment: they introduced her to a litter of orphaned piglets. Recognizing the biological mismatch between predator and prey, they employed a unique trick: the piglets were fitted with tiny black-and-white striped cloth jackets—a visual cue intended to deceive and encourage acceptance from the mother.

The immediate result was astonishing: Sai Mai showed no signs of predatory behavior whatsoever. Instead, her powerful maternal instincts took over the hunter’s psyche. The massive tigress began gently grooming, nuzzling, and fiercely protecting the striped youngsters as if they were the cubs she had lost. The piglets, in turn, fully trusted the source of warmth and security, responding by snuggling against Sai Mai’s belly and mane.

The sharply contrasting images—an apex predator displaying overwhelming tenderness toward potential prey—quickly went viral across all media channels, transcending cultural barriers. The story went beyond simple visual appeal, becoming a powerful testament to how grief can be channeled into healing through nurturing behavior and how affection can cross the biological divide between species. It remains a poignant example of the unexpected bonds that defy the harsh rules of the natural world.