There is something heartwarming about unlikely animal friendships. Here are 10 examples of animals who have formed unusual bonds, proving that love knows no boundaries.
1. A Lion, Tiger, and Bear Trio
At the Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary in Locust Grove, Georgia, a lion, tiger, and bear trio have been living together for 15 years. Leo the lion, Shere Khan the tiger, and Baloo the bear were all rescued from a drug dealer's house by animal welfare authorities. Despite their different species, they have formed a tight bond and are often snuggled up together.
2. A Dog and a Deer
Kate and Pip are an inseparable duo in Virginia. Kate, a Great Dane, and Pip, a young deer, play and nap together on Kate's family property. Kate's owner says the pair bonded immediately and that Pip often returns to visit.
3. A Cat and a Crow
Cats and birds don't usually get along, but this kitty and crow are an exception. In Japan, a black cat named Sin-chan and a crow named Fukurou live together in a flower shop. They cuddle and groom each other, proving that even natural enemies can be friends.
4. A Bengal Cat and a Chihuahua
One might think that a cat and a dog of vastly different sizes would struggle to find common ground. But a Bengal cat named Booger and a Chihuahua named Kitty are the best of friends in California. They eat, nap, and play together, and Booger even grooms Kitty as if she were one of his own kittens.
5. A Hippo and a Tortoise
Henry the hippo and Mzee the tortoise live at the Haller Park Sanctuary in Kenya. When Mzee was introduced to the baby hippo after he was stranded outside his herd in the Indian Ocean, Henry immediately took to him. Mzee became a surrogate mother to the hippo and they have been best buddies ever since.
6. An Orangutan and a Hound Dog
Suryia, an orangutan, and Roscoe, a bluetick coonhound, struck up an unlikely friendship in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. They love swimming together and often go for walks in the woods holding hands. Their bond is so strong that Suryia even learned how to bark like Roscoe.
7. A Capybara and a Kitten
Cheesecake the capybara and Catcake the kitten live in Japan. Cheesecake was initially hesitant of the kitten, but they eventually became the best of friends. They love playing and snuggling together, and owners say they are inseparable.
8. A Rat and a Cat
Radamenes the rat and Sasha the cat live in Poland. Radamenes was rescued from an animal shelter and nursed back to health by veterinarian Lucyna Kuziel-Zawalich. Sasha, who also lives with Kuziel-Zawalich, took an immediate liking to Radamenes and the two are now the best of friends.
9. A Gorilla and a Kitten
Koko, a gorilla famous for her ability to communicate in sign language, was gifted a kitten in the 1980s. Koko immediately named the kitten "All Ball" and the two became inseparable. Sadly, All Ball was hit by a car and died, but her friendship with Koko showed that gorillas are capable of strong emotions and deep bonds.
10. A Giraffe and a Ostrich
In South Africa's Tala Private Game Reserve, a giraffe named Jazz and an ostrich named Wally have a unique friendship. They are often spotted together, with Jazz affectionately nuzzling Wally with his nose. Their friendship is a reminder that animals can find companionship in the most unexpected places.
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