Unlikely animal friendships seem to be popping up everywhere these days, but I can’t get enough of them. Every time I see a cat cuddling with a bird or a dog comforting a cheetah, my heart feels like it grows ten sizes. When animals are abandoned by their species or are kept in isolation in a zoo, they are likely to form bonds with other animals, even if they would usually be enemies in the wild. There are examples of mother animals nursing orphaned babies of other species and nervous, shy, or recovering animals coming out of their shells when they make a new animal friend.
Often, those friendships involve a dog and another species. It’s a strange thing to consider; we often think of dogs as having descended from wolves, one of the ultimate predators. But, wolves are highly social pack animals, and modern dogs have lost much of their predatory instincts while keeping their need for social interaction intact. Furthermore, domestic dogs have become a symbol for all that is good and kind in the world. The phrase, “We don’t deserve dogs” has become extremely popular and speaks to a dog’s capacity for unconditional love, even in the most difficult of circumstances.
So, it’s no surprise that one of the heroes in this story is a dog. The baby elephant was abandoned by his herd and left to die. Rescuers discovered a medical condition and were able to save the tiny baby in time. But, without the companionship and social interaction that elephants need and crave, Ellie was depressed. That is until he met Duma, a former sniffing dog that is his new best friend. The unlikely duo plays together and spends most of their time in each other’s company.
Watch their unlikely friendship blossom in the video below and don’t forget to like and share this post!
