The Big Cat Project on Saturday shared footage of two Amur tigers reacting to their impending freedom with astonishing fury as their cage doors slid open.
The footage, posted below, shows both tigers, in separate cages, swatting and biting the doors in a snarling display that underscores why the rehab team remained inside its vehicles during the release.
Amur tigers released back into the wild.
The brother and sister Amur tigers were rehabbed by the Amur Tiger Center in Russia. The footage was first shared by Bohai Tour Wildlife Adventures in May. (It was not clear what required the cats to be captured and rehabbed.)
On follower remarked, “Now Imagine hiking around the area.”
ALSO: Tourists in disbelief as cheetahs are ‘bullied’ by baby warthog
Amur tigers, or Siberian tigers, are the largest of tiger subspecies. They inhabit the forests of eastern Russia and northeastern China, and are well-adapted to exist in harsh winters.
As formidable as they might seem, they’re threatened by poaching and habitat loss. Their current population is estimated at between 500 and 600 animals.
The Big Cat Project stated: “Their future is still uncertain, and protecting their forests, supporting breeding programs, and continuing conservation efforts are vital to securing the survival of these majestic predators.”
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Massive Amur tigers’ ferocity on display during release back into wild