They make an unlikely trio, but Baloo, a 1,000-lb bear, Shere Khan, a 350-lb tiger, and Leo, a 350-lb lion, have have forged an unusual bond. They are apparently totally oblivious to the fact that in any other circumstance they would not be friends. Although they would be mortal enemies if they ever were to meet in the wild, the three friends were barely two-month-old cubs at the time they first met. They were rescued eight years ago during a police raid in Atlanta from a drug lord who had kept them as status symbols.

Delivered to the Noah's Ark Animal Rescue Centre in Locust Grove, Georgia, a decision was made to keep the youngsters together, because of their budding rapport. Shere Khan, Baloo, and Leo have now moved to a purpose-built habitat where the public can witness their bizarre relationship.

They eat, sleep and play together. Leo likes to spend most of the day sleeping. When he finally wakes up the three of them play for most of the day before they settle down to some food. Surprisingly for three apex predators with the power to kill with a single bite or swipe of their paw, they are very relaxed around each other. They treat each other as siblings and will lie on top of each other for heat and simply for affection.