I ask myself that question a lot whenever I read the news or hear a story about the worst aspects of humankind. Then I come across photos like the ones I’m about to share with you and I ask it again, “Why can’t we all get along?”
Animals have natural instincts that generally make them either prey or predator, which is what makes me ever more fascinated at some unusual animal friendships that I have witnessed. Here are just a few marvelous examples.
Unlikely Animal Friends
Rabbit and Fawn
Isn’t this sweet? A real life version of Bambi and Thumper! This doe was found by a woman one day, shivering on the side of a road next to its dead mother. She brought the fawn home, named it Bambi, and nursed it back to health. She then started to introduce the fawn to her other animals, one of which was Ben, the rabbit. The fawn took an instant likely to the rabbit and they became inseparable. Aww.
Tiger and Piglets
You’ve no doubt heard the expression, “wolf in sheep’s clothing?” How about “piglets in tiger’s clothing?” This image comes from the Sriracha Tiger Zoo in Thailand. It is famous for its unique attractions, but its most famous exhibit is its coupling of pigs and tigers. This Bengal tiger is nursing and raising six piglets as her own, but animal experts say the tiger-skin coats are unnecessary and just part of the show. In another part of the zoo, the tiger’s real cubs are being nursed by a pig. The zoo uses pig milk suckled directly from the sow to help the tigers grow faster. Although this setup isn’t harmful to the animals, Animal Welfare International has investigated the zoo and accused it of animal abuse and illegally breeding tigers. Okay, not such a happy ending, perhaps, but, wow, this sure looks like it fits into the category of unusual animal friendships to me!
Hippopotamus and Tortoise
A tsunami swept a family of hippos in Africa out to sea in 2004, leaving a baby hippopotamus stranded on a reef. The baby hippo was caught (by a man named Owen) and then was released into an animal sanctuary. Frightened and confused, the hippo (named Owen) ran to a 130-year-old tortoise (named Mzee) and cowered behind him. The two unusual animal friends became inseparable. Until the hippo was old enough to be introduced to members of his own species, he and the turtle spent their days together, feeding, cuddling and napping. How many “aww”s can I get for that one?
Tabby Cat and Dolphin
Last but not least in my unusual animal friendships, I leave you with a short video of a cat and dolphin. The cat’s name is Arthur. The dolphins are named Thunder and Shiloh. The video was taken at an Islamorada, Fla., marine park. I just ♥ this video. Enjoy.
Jeanne is the founder of Animal Bliss. Originally from Nova Scotia, Canada she has lived in the United States for more than 20 years now. She is deeply passionate about animals of all kinds and started this site to share that love with others.
Her own animal experience is vast, having raised and rescued Alpine Goats, Chickens, Turkeys, Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pigs, Turtles, Raccoons, Cats, Dogs, and even an Opossum and Bearded Dragon.
Hi Jeanne.. Just the other day I watched a delightful video about a dog and a rabbit. The dog was chasing the rabbit, then the rabbit chased the dog. No harm done, just a playful video. I wish the human race could do the same .. our world would be so different… thank you for the sharing love and appreciation of animals…
I don’t have any personal animal friendship stories to share. I wish I could say that all three of my cats get along but the two biological siblings give their adopted sister a hard time, and for no good reason.
Have you ever seen the PBS show Animal Odd Couples? If not I highly recommend you do. It is such an awesome show, very heartwarming. It’s available on the PBS website. I’ll provide a link if you want.
How wonderful is this!! I wish human would also get along like that. But in all honesty, some humans do get along, just wish we would ALL get along lol! Thanks for sharing this fun post!
Hi Jeanne, I think sometimes the same and I like to look at this pictures it makes feel good. I for myself have no difficulty with anybody I love all kind of people. I have a nice story and I think often of it and I am sad that I never made a picture or video of it .We had a few years ago a wild cat and when I was milking the goats she was always there .One of the goats waiting for milking and the cat where very in love with each other .It was beautiful to look at this too .I gave the cat always a bit of the milk . But one day she was not there anymore and I found her on the street ,a car had hit her and she was gone .:(
I found your article absolutely delightful! We sure can learn alot from the animal kingdom! There are many harmless species out there, but man is NOT one of them. I loved the photos…so awesome!
The tiger and piglets are the most amazing to me. I’m always amazed that prey animals can see their prey in another light. Gives me a little hope for mankind.
Hey Jeanne, I don’t have any unusual animal stories to tell but I did enjoy reading your post and seeing the pictures. I agree, if only man could see fit to get along with others – wouldn’t it be a great world to live in?
I love the pictures. Why can animals settle differences better than humans? I love my animals– except my food is my food. =) Still, I wish I could hold my snails and not have them hide. What do you think of the names: Gary and Esnailio? 😀
Hello Jeanne, What a great article and Loved the pics and the video. We certainly can learn a lot from animals HUH? I love what you have done here with your blog, Thanks for sharing Chery :))
We could definitely learn a thing or two from the animal kingdom. My Uncle and family live on a farm with a dog and a horse that just love each other’s company. This post reminded me of that. Thanks for the walk down memory lane!
My Beagle Mix was a rescue and when we brought him home I was worried about him meeting our chickens. We also have four laying chickens we also consider pets. Prey verses the hunted. Although I would never leave him alone completely with them he has not shown any signs of attacking them. But even as humans we still worry even without physical cause. I have to say it’s a gut feeling.
This story is just too adorable! My dog once found a baby bunny. They were so cute.
Hi Jeanne..
Just the other day I watched a delightful video about a dog and a rabbit. The dog was chasing the rabbit, then the rabbit chased the dog. No harm done, just a playful video. I wish the human race could do the same .. our world would be so different… thank you for the sharing love and appreciation of animals…
Hi Jeanne,
I don’t have any personal animal friendship stories to share. I wish I could say that all three of my cats get along but the two biological siblings give their adopted sister a hard time, and for no good reason.
Have you ever seen the PBS show Animal Odd Couples? If not I highly recommend you do. It is such an awesome show, very heartwarming. It’s available on the PBS website. I’ll provide a link if you want.
How wonderful is this!! I wish human would also get along like that. But in all honesty, some humans do get along, just wish we would ALL get along lol! Thanks for sharing this fun post!
Hi Jeanne,
I think sometimes the same
and I like to look at this pictures it makes feel good.
I for myself have no difficulty with anybody I love all kind of people.
I have a nice story and I think often of it and I am sad that I never made a picture or video of it .We had a few years ago a wild cat and when I was milking the goats she was always there .One of the goats waiting for milking and the cat where very in love with each other .It was beautiful to look at this too .I gave the cat always a bit of the milk . But one day she was not there anymore and I found her on the street ,a car had hit her and she was gone .:(
I found your article absolutely delightful! We sure can learn alot from the animal kingdom! There are many harmless species out there, but man is NOT one of them. I loved the photos…so awesome!
The tiger and piglets are the most amazing to me. I’m always amazed that prey animals can see their prey in another light. Gives me a little hope for mankind.
Hey Jeanne,
I don’t have any unusual animal stories to tell but I did enjoy reading your post and seeing the pictures. I agree, if only man could see fit to get along with others – wouldn’t it be a great world to live in?
Have a wonderful day. Monna
I love the pictures. Why can animals settle differences better than humans? I love my animals– except my food is my food. =) Still, I wish I could hold my snails and not have them hide. What do you think of the names: Gary and Esnailio? 😀
Hello Jeanne, What a great article and Loved the pics and the video. We certainly can learn a lot from animals HUH? I love what you have done here with your blog, Thanks for sharing Chery :))
We can learn so many lessons from animals, but too many never even notice them. They are a gift to us.
We could definitely learn a thing or two from the animal kingdom. My Uncle and family live on a farm with a dog and a horse that just love each other’s company. This post reminded me of that. Thanks for the walk down memory lane!
My Beagle Mix was a rescue and when we brought him home I was worried about him meeting our chickens. We also have four laying chickens we also consider pets. Prey verses the hunted. Although I would never leave him alone completely with them he has not shown any signs of attacking them. But even as humans we still worry even without physical cause. I have to say it’s a gut feeling.