Unlikely goat and tiger friendship tragically ends in fight

An unlikely animal friendship that inspired the world has tragically come to an end.

The long companionship between a Siberian tiger named Amur and a goat named Timur dissolved in a fight Jan. 29.

Their friendship began when Timur was placed in the tiger’s habitat as part of its twice weekly live animal feedings. The goat surprised onlookers by not only refusing to be eaten, but actually kicking the the tiger out of its bedding area.

See also: Clever goat befriends Siberian tiger to avoid being eaten

The animals appeared to develop a “friendship” — living in peace with one another and even being observed playing with a soccer ball together. Timur began to suffer from obesity due to the beneficial relationship.

Image: Vitaliy Ankov/Associated Press

Unfortunately, the relationship came to an end when Amur lashed out at the goat after what officials refer to as “weeks” of bullying. Apparently, Timur had been jumping on the tiger, poking it with its horns and attempting to push it. According to The Siberian Times the large cat grabbed the goat by the scruff of its neck and shook it “like a kitten.”

Officials quickly entered the habitat, distracting the tiger in order to remove Timur and give him emergency veterinary treatment.

Safari directors claim that Amur’s patience was likely pushed to the limit due to a nearby female in heat.

We hope Amur and Timur can forgive each other and be reunited in the future.