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Family & Pets

Gallery: Unlikely animal pairings

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.

Boxer And Goat

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.

The Tiger And Orangutan

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.

Pigeon And The Macaque

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.

Elephant And The Black Lab

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.

Giraffe And The Ostrich

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.

The Dog And The Owl

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.

Chicken And The Puppies

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.

Peacock And The Goose

Credit: Rex USA

Related links:

10 cute baby animals guaranteed to brighten your day

9 impossibly fluffy animals that will make your day

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