What is your initial reaction when you find out you’re about to encounter a bear or a lion or even an elephant in the zoo? You probably are not comfortable with facing these “scary” creatures, knowing they can easily hurt you if they want to.
But, just like everything else in this life, there is always another side to the story. The animals that you consider frightening are capable of doing sweet and adorable things, too! Not convinced? Just look at these 50 photos and see the charming side of these supposedly feared creatures.
1. Tiger enjoying winter
Tigers are not just made to hunt their prey or to scare people. They also love to play and enjoy the beauty of nature, just like this adorable tiger who simply loves playing in the snow.
2. A sweet cub
Bears may be huge and scary when they are adults, but when they are babies, they can be really, really adorable, too! Just look at this little cub lovingly staring at this equally smitten guy!
3. Friendly lion
Can a lion be friendly? The answer is a resounding “yes”! This guy knows just how friendly a lion can be.
4. Mom’s cuddles are the best
And speaking of lions, why don’t we take a peek at this lioness that definitely knows how to cuddle. That cub is in cloud nine, enjoying his mom’s sweet caress.
5. Fun wolves
This woman and her boyfriend got to take pictures with wolves and they are shocked at how fun and outgoing these animals are. Her boyfriend seems to be wondering how this could have happened. They are supposed to be fierce, and yet, here they are.
6. A cheery cheetah
Aww, what a beautiful cheetah! She’s happy and it totally shows in her beautiful eyes.
7. A gift from Timothy
Fiona, the hippo, just a received a yummy gift from Timothy, another hippo from a different zoo. How sweet these animals are!
8. This hippo who loves making friends
Here’s another hippo who certainly knows how to make friends. That kiss is so sweet!
9. He loves belly rubs
Elephants may be huge but they are really gentle. In fact, they really enjoy having belly rubs from their human friends.
10. A goofy wolf
A goofy wolf? Is that even for real? Yes, it is and this is him!
11. This cheetah feels awesome!
Who’s feeling awesome and having such a great time? This cheetah right here!
12. Foxy and kitty
This is a rare moment where a cat is friendly with a fox. The way they show their connection is just so sweet!
13. The best bear in Buffalo
Meet Luna, a polar bear. She is simply the best and friendliest bear in Buffalo and kids absolutely love her.
14. Babies
Here is an adorable baby polar bear who is interacting with a human baby. What a charming encounter!
15. A friendly puma
Pumas are not as friendly, but when they cross paths with people they find comfortable and safe to be around with, these huge felines can be very sweet, too.
16. A crown of butterflies
Now, this is a moment that we certainly would not believe if it wasn’t caught on camera. This Cayman crocodile has a crown of butterflies and she is totally enjoying the attention!
17. This “tiny” subway dog
Did you say a tiny dog? Nope, this dog is not in the least tiny but he is certainly a sweet doggo who loves to travel via the subway.
18. Adorable guard dog
Guard dogs are fierce and fearsome. But, this guard dog looks so adorable anybody won’t be able to resist petting him.
19. Big baby
He used to be a small puppy who loved to stay in her lap. Now that he’s grown bigger, he seems to think he can still be that little pup.
20. The best winter blankets
Winter won’t be as cold if you have these huge, but fluffy doggos. They may look menacing in size, but their sweetness definitely makes up for that.
21. Sweet and motherly
Giraffes are not as wild as other animals, but their towering height and build can make them look intimidating. But, no matter how tall or big they are, mommy giraffes are still as sweet and watching them cuddle their little ones is such a special experience.
22. Kangaroo embrace
Kangaroos may be intimidating, but they are capable of tenderness, too. This man hugging this lovely kangaroo is nothing but sweetness overload.
23. This turkey
Can you imagine hugging a turkey? They can run after you when they feel threatened. But if they feel love and affection, these birds can turn into lovable creatures.
24. A friendly alligator
Oh my, is that an alligator embracing a woman? Who knew this reptile is capable of such tenderness?
25. Owl hug
Owls are not as sweet as other cute animals or birds, but it looks like they can be ready for hugs, too. What a charming bird!
26. My hand on your paws
This photo may look concerning, especially because the lion is so huge and almost twice as big as the lady. But, their connection is so clear and inspiring that anyone would look beyond all that and just focus on the beautiful sight of animal and human getting along.
27. Roosters can be sweet, too
While chickens are generally friendly, roosters can be very agitated at times and might end up pursuing any unwanted intruder. This rooster, on the other hand, is extremely sweet and loves to be embraced.
28. High five!
Isn’t this tiger really sweet? He’s having such fun time lazily hanging out with this girl and trying to get a high five.
29. Moose buddy
Have you ever had a moose for a buddy? This guy is lucky to meet such a sweet creature.
30. Momma bear
Momma bears are so charming and lovable, especially when they are this caring for their little cubs. She’s simply adorable as she gives her baby a tender kiss!
31. A happy serval
This slender serval looks happy to see you. That smile is totally charming!
32. Cuddly squirrel
Squirrels are small but they can be dangerous if you don’t know how to treat them right. But if you treat them nicely like this guy, you will be rewarded with a loving embrace from the little fellow.
33. A smiling gecko
Those eyes aremesmerizing, little gecko. And that smile is everything!
34. Munching happily
Have you ever seen such a happy face? Everyone becomes happier when eating something they love, especially this muntjac as it munches joyfully on this branch.
35. He’s happy to see you!
Hi little axolotl! They may look out of this world and disarming at first, but they really are tiny sweethearts!
36. Contented sloth
This is how pure contentment looks like.Sloths surely know how to have a great time just chilling out.
37. Joyful frog
Isn’t this little guy so cute? He’s smiling so widely and makes me wanna smile, too!
38. Happy horse
Happy aren’t we, Mr. Horse? It such a great day and this majestic creature is smiling about it!
39. A toothy grin
A smile is even more beautiful if it’s done right. This guy has a toothy grin but his smile makes it impossible not to smile back!
40. This fox is having a great time
Oh, wow, someone’s having a really great time! This fox is very happy to find new friends, indeed.
41. An adorable bulldog
Whoever said bulldogs are fierce all the time is greatly mistaken. These doggos are as sweet as little pups, you know. And when they smile, the world around them smile back because they are just so beautiful!
42. Hello ostrich!
Ooh, here’s Mr. Ostrich having his morning run and he’s having a really great morning so far. That smile says it all!
43. He’s a jolly fellow
Someone’s happy about something! This little elephant looks overjoyed, there must have been some great news from her Momma!
44. A cute tortoise
Isn’t this tiny tortoise so cute? That smile is so charming!
45. This is a selfie!
As it turns out, sloths are also really good with selfies. That’s one awesome photo!
46. A cheerful camel
It may be so hot in the desert, but this camel will always chill out. He’s utterly relaxed and looks like he’s enjoying his travels so far.
47. Ready for some fun
Who’s ready for summer? This doggo is!
48. Feeling happy
This green fellow is quietly smiling about something. He looks so happy, enjoying his “me” time.
49. That tickles!
Aw, turtle’s ticklish and we can’t help but laugh out loud at the sheer charm of this photo. He’s totally having a fun time laughing his heart out!
50. Owls having fun
And finally, these owls are so happy they can’t stop smiling. These birds will surely leave a wide smile on your face.
See? Even seemingly ferocious animals can look really sweet and friendly, too!
Source: Instagram, Bright Side, Buzzfeed, Bright Side
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