See Two Deadly Jungle Cats Turn Into Kittens and Play With a Ball While Swimming

Even when house cats fight, it can get vicious. Two full-grown big cats from different species don’t usually encounter one another in the wild, but in captivity, things change. Click below to watch an extraordinary encounter between a lion and a jaguar.

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Do Jaguars and Lions Get Along?

Both jaguars and lions are predators. In the wild, there is no need for them to associate with one another. They also exhibit different behaviors. For example, while lions live and hunt in prides, jaguars are solitary creatures. Lions also grow bigger, sometimes reaching up to 500 pounds and eight feet long whereas jaguars may only grow up to 300 pounds and five feet long. In a fight between a lion and a jaguar, a lion would most certainly win.

How Does Captivity Change Big Cat Behavior?

Although big cats may still exhibit some of the biological instincts they have in the wild, living in captivity generally suppresses their natural behavior. Big cats may feel trapped and get stressed if they don’t have sufficient space to roam. Their stress may manifest in a variety of behaviors, like pacing and other repetitive movements. Without the danger and unpredictability of the wild present, big cats may become more docile. Their food is secured and they’re not experiencing threats from other animals, which allows them to exist with their guards down.

Jaguar and Lion Enjoy a Leisurely Swim

When the weather is warm and the day is sunny, a fresh pool is inviting. For the lion and the jaguar in the clip below, it was just a leisurely day when they got a chance to enjoy a swim and play with one another. When the video starts, the jaguar is already in the water. The lion approaches and gently paws at its head. The jaguar is playing with a blue ball and grips it, completely submerging it and itself underwater. The lion watches as it goes under and then walks on a platform with only a few inches of water.

In the next scene, the jaguar continues to enjoy the deep end while the lion stays on the shallow platform. The jaguar is enthralled with the blue ball and the lion lounges on the platform like a watchful parent looking over their kid. These are both full-grown big cats but the gentleness and playfulness they display makes them look like sweet kittens. At one point, the jaguar foregoes the ball and jumps to nip at the lion to which the lion responds with a paw and a gentle nip back. The lion redirects the jaguar to the blue ball, and they continue their peaceful, relaxing day.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © L-N/Shutterstock.com