News spread fast. By noon, the first camera crews had arrived. The story hit social media like wildfire. A tiger and a puppy? Together? People laughed, cried, argued, speculated. Hashtags formed. “#PupAndPaw” trended in four countries. People left dog toys at the zoo gates.
Inside the enclosure, Meera had become a different creature. She played again. She rolled in the grass. She even swatted a ball across the yard—something she hadn’t done since her cub died. When Nibbles barked, she followed. When he whined, she responded. As if on cue.