This is the moment a powerful Amur tigress surges out of a transport cage and charges back into the wild, as her three tiny cubs scramble after her through deep snow, struggling to keep up.

The release took place in Khabarovsk Krai, in Russia’s Far East, on 31st January.

The tigress and her cubs were captured in late December 2025 near the settlement of Selikhino, in the Komsomolsky District, after residents repeatedly spotted the animal close to roads and homes.

Inspectors said the tigress was behaving restlessly because she was guarding her offspring, prompting concerns for public safety and the protection of the rare animals.

A decision was made to capture the family group to prevent potential conflict with people and to safeguard the tigress and her cubs.

After veterinary checks, the animals were transported and released in a remote area of Khabarovsk Krai, far from populated areas and in territory with a high density of hoofed animals, their natural prey.

The capture and release operation was carried out by staff from the Khabarovsk Krai government’s hunting management department and the regional wildlife protection service, with support from the Amur Tiger Centre.

Video footage shows the tigress ploughing through deep snow moments after her release, with her three cubs emerging from transport crates shortly afterwards and following her into the forest.

(Mike Leidig / Clipzilla)