A mother loves her baby more than anything in this world. That is why a mother and her baby, regardless of species, share a very special and unique bond. The way a mother loves and cares for her little one is something irreplaceable. Although considered by some to be unfeeling beings, wild animals are extremely protective and loving when it comes to their babies!

This wildlife photographer has witnessed how loving and overprotective wild creatures can be. During an expedition in Kenya, Leighton Lum saw a mother leopard sharing a very tender moment with her baby. With his camera always ready, the 32-year-old photographer saw the mother and her cub sleeping next to some bushes. However, within moments a downpour woke the puppy up.

What came next was nothing more than an ocean of hugs and affection between the two. Excited and always looking for new adventures, the puppy began climbing some trees shortly after waking up. His noisy movements also woke up the mother. Although she ruined her mother’s brief nap, the leopard did not seem bothered at all. On the contrary, she was all smiles as she hugged her precious baby.

“He eventually wandered near our vehicle and the mother followed him,” the photographer said. “They settled down no more than 50 feet from the vehicle and started playing. It was incredible.”

In a series of heartwarming photos, Lum captured the mother-puppy duo cuddling in the cutest way possible. “I really enjoyed watching this tender moment between mother and cub,” she said. “It is a behavior that is not seen often and it is rare to see them like this outdoors and up close.”