There are many reasons why natural born enemies become best friends. Whether it is a mutually beneficial relationship or the need for social bonding these partnerships are always amazing. In domestic situations many animals grow up together and will become lifetime friends, but friendships can also evolve in animal sanctuaries or natural environments. From inseparable interspecies pals to surprising bonds between predator and prey - here's a look at the most unlikely of friends that will warm your heart.
Bubbles the elephant was taken to a safari reserve in the US after she was rescued from ivory poachers in Africa, while Bella the black Labrador was left at the park by a contractor. Despite the extreme difference in size Bubbles and Bella have become best friends and love swimming together!
The story of Shere Khan the tiger, Baloo the bear and Leo the lion is truly touching. The three of them were rescued together from a drug dealer who had abused them extensively. They now live under the care of the Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary in the US where the three of them are inseparable.
Another unusual 10 year friendship was seen in Berlin Zoo between Mauschen, a female black bear, and Muschi, a stray black cat. Their friendship started in 2000, Mausschen had lived there for over 40 years but nobody knows where the cat came from. They were often seen sharing meals together and Muschi would sleep between Mausschen's paws.
Cats and dogs often tolerate each other, but few cat and dog pairs really love each other. Tervel the blind and partially deaf chocolate Labrador relies on his seeing-eye cat bestie in order to get around and live a happy life. Tervel, whose conditions are due to abuse, had led a pretty immobile life as he had a hard time getting around due to his inability to see and hear. But then Tervel's pet parent brought a stray cat called Pudditat home. The feline, who does not get on well with other cats, immediately bonded with her new canine companion.
Now Pudditat acts as a guide cat for Tervel and helps the disabled dog feel more confident in his surroundings.
This is friendship at its finest!
With thanks to Advanced Pet Care Clinic. Call 056-3960076.