MARWELL Zoo's tiger cub Zambar has joined the big guys after moving in with his dad Gamin.

Up to now six-month-old Zambar has been cared for by keepers at the zoo near Winchester after being rejected by his mother Yenna shortly after birth.

After several months of special treatment and his own play area, the time has come for little Zambar to leave his cub-hood behind.

He and Gamin have been kept in adjoining enclosures and the move has been partly prompted because keepers at the park felt the two Amur tigers, the biggest of the species, were showing signs of wanting to get to know each other.

A spokeswoman for the park, which specialises in breeding programmes for endangered animals, said:

"His father quickly established a few ground rules including that adult tiger tails can be played with only for a short time until adult tigers get cross!

"Zambar is also keeping a close eye on his father to pick up tips on tiger behaviour. If Gamin shows irritation Zambar has quickly learned to roll on his back and look cute."

The pair can now be seen together in the newly rebuilt tiger enclosure which offers visitors a better view of the cats.

The spokeswoman added: "The success in raising Zambar is significant - Amur tigers are seriously endangered in the wild.

Thanks to the efforts of zoos like Marwell, their future is assured and Zambar, as a strong and healthy male, will, in due course, make his contribution to the future of this species."