Gallery: Unlikely animal pairings
These animal friendships could sure teach us humans a lot. Despite many falling into the predator and prey category, these unlikely friendships flourished proving that relationships come in all different shapes and sizes.
1. The Boxer and the goat
When this baby goat was abandoned by her mother when she was a few hours old, Tilly, the boxer, took him in. Tilly cleans and grooms the baby goat and keeps a close eye in case there’s any trouble.
Credit: Richard Austin/Rex USA
2. The tiger and the orangutan
At the Taman Safari in Indonesia, a sanctuary for endangered animals, this orangutan and Sumatran tiger are as closer as brothers.
Credit: Dimas Ardian
3. The pigeon and the macaque
The macaque was a rescue whose recovery wasn’t going well – that is until he met this pigeon. Now the two spend all day together.
Credit: Photoshot
4. The elephant and the Black Lab
Bubble, the elephant, was rescued from ivory poachers in Africa and now resides in a safari reserve in the US. Bella, the black lab, was left by contractors for the park. The two quickly struck up a friendship despite their difference in size.
Credit: Barry Bland
5. The giraffe and the ostrich
The two share a 65-acre enclosure in Busch Gardens in the US so they aren’t forced to be together but they choose to do so. We’d like to say a mutual admiration of each other’s long necks brought them together.
Credit: PA
6. The greyhound and the owl
Torque, the six-month old greyhound, was introduced to Shrek when he was just an owl chick. The two are now the best of pals.
Credit: Solent News
7. The chicken and the puppies
While these puppies have their own canine mum, Mabel, the chicken, often lends a helping hand by roosting on the puppies to keep them warm.
Credit: Anita Maric
8. The peacock and the goose
Valentine, the peacock, was given some goose eggs to sit on by the staff at How Park Farm. Only one of the eggs hatched and Valentine immediately became a proud mother following the new chick around, showing it what to eat and even putting it to bed.
Credit: Rex USA
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