#22. The Curious Bond Between Dimdim And Joao
The man you can see in the photograph is Joao Pereira de Souza. His daily routine, while exciting, didn’t usually present him with out-of-this-world experiences. He was a fisherman and loved being out in the sea. While working in Rio de Janeiro, however, he saw something that changed his life forever.
He spotted an animal crying out for help. After rescuing this cute penguin, he realized the poor thing was covered in oil. Plenty of weeks and visits to the veterinarian later, Dindim was healthy enough to head into the wild. The crazy thing is, the penguin still goes back to visit his old friend every few months!
#21. Friends Decide To Raise A Lion
John and Anthony are two best friends who were traveling together when life presented them with a challenge. While sightseeing in London, they took on an adventure none could have imagined, as they impulsively decided to purchase a real-life lion from Harrods.
While this could have been a recipe for disaster, both did a fantastic job raising the cub. They baptized the lion Christian, and when the time came they decided to return him to the wild. With the aid of a conservationist, the lion lived a long life in his natural habitat.
#20. John Sticks By His Dog In Sickness And In Health
While there are pretty exotic animals on this list, we couldn’t help but include this exemplary friendship. John Unger is the man in the photograph, and he developed a profound bond with his dog. They were basically married, throughout the good and the bad.
When his 19-year-old dog started developing some health issues, John took things into his own hands. Because of arthritis, the dog couldn’t sleep easily, but John helped him till the end. Without thinking it twice, the man took Schoep into the lake, in order to help his dog’s aching bones. Isn’t that sweet?
#19. Zion The Lion And His BFF
Frikkie Von Solms was pretty used to living amongst wild animals. What we might find terrifying was just another normal day for him. This 69-year-old man dedicated his life to caring for lions, and let me tell you, he certainly learned a few tricks along the way.
Throughout his career, he has cared for 19 lions, but the one he fell in love with the most was Zion. They developed a friendship that involved fun games and lots of love. Seriously, just take a look at the photo, it makes me want to hug them both!
#18. Best Goat Buddy
Even though he was already a grown man, this Australian farmer insisted on working day and night. He didn’t let his age get in the way of his work. The problem arose one day while he was caring for his sheep. Because of the morning dew, he accidentally slipped and fell.
As a consequence of this unfortunate incident, the elderly man suffered a great deal of pain. He even broke a hip! Imagine his desperation when he realized there was no one in sight. As the days went by, one of his goats, Mandy stood by him. She slept and cared for him till someone spotted the man and rescued him.
#17. Janice Hailey, The Tiger Whisperer
Janice Hailey is an unbelievable woman. Since she was a little girl, she always adored animals. However, little did she know that as a grown woman, she’d be dealing with some of the most fearsome creatures in the animal kingdom. That’s right, Janice is known in Orlando for being the Tiger Whisperer.
This woman has a special talent when it comes to these majestic creatures. She has a great way with them and has had a great deal of experience nursing Bengal tigers back to health. The fun doesn’t stop there for Hailey, though. She actually enjoys entertaining these predators and continues to do so!
#16. Jessica The Domesticated Hippo
South Africa is a place full of exotic animals we don’t usually get to see every day. Tonnie and Shirley Joubert were minding their own business when they spotted something unusual in their backyard. When they spotted a huge injured hippo, they didn’t know what to do at first. But it soon became very clear.
The couple instantly fell in love with the hippo, naming her Jessica. Throughout the years they developed an incredible bond. When Jessica got better, she returned to her home by the river, but she never really left the couple’s home. Every once in a while, the Joubert’s can expect a visit from their old friend.
#15. Tippi Into The Wild
The girl in the photo is named Tippi. Because of his parent’s profession as wildlife photographers, he grew up amongst all kinds of furry and not-so furry beasts. Living in Africa, the child developed a fascination with animals, and because of her daily interactions with them, she never felt any fear, not even with this guy!
While Cheetah’s don’t exactly have a rep as the most aggressive animals in the wild, they don’t exactly make for domestic pets. Tippi doesn’t seem to mind the company though; on the contrary, she seems more than comfortable with her wild friend. Check out the next slide to swoon over another strange friendship!
#14. Jim Adopts Jimbo
The epic friendship between Jim and Jimbo reached a huge audience as a consequence of a viral YouTube video. In the video, Jim is seen caring for the well-being of this gigantic bear. When Jimbo first came into the couple’s life, he was barely alive, but look at him now!
Thanks to the love and attention they gave the furry animal, soon enough he was ready to go back into the wild. As soon as his favorite pet left, Jim decided to start up his own project looking after bears in need of help. Crazily enough, he opened a rehabilitation center for these creatures in his very home!
#13. A Python Pet You’ve Never Seen Before
How would you react if you found a 1.3-meter python in your bathroom? Well, this kid’s father decided upon adopting the creature. After debating the issue, he figured the snake would make for a great birthday gift for his son. How crazy is he?
While the five-year-old kid was skeptical at first, soon enough he developed a strong friendship with the reptile. Getting rid of all his doubts and fear, the kid now plays and even hugs the python. Curiously enough, the snake has grown even larger to the point it could even swallow his little owner whole!
#12. Watching The Waves With His Pelican Friend
This pelican is surprisingly huge. Somehow though, Gefforey doesn’t seem to mind its weight at all. In fact, they both seem to be enjoying themselves! This cute friendship began quite some time ago when they met by pure chance because the Pelican was injured amidst a harsh storm.
When this fisherman spotted the hurting animal, he couldn’t stand by. This great man nursed the Pelican back to life, creating a bond between both. Even though the bird has long since been strong and healthy, he loves Geoff too much to leave him behind.
#11. The Elephant Charmer
Elephants are wise and gorgeous animals, but the problem is that they are in constant danger, either by the hand of poachers, wild animals that hunt them or even natural disasters. They’re clearly in need of desperate help and that is why the Save Elephant Foundation has such an important role in caring for baby elephants.
Throughout the years, Derrick Thompson has cared for numerous elephants. When their health is good again, he releases them into the wild. The photo shows one of the elephants Derrick nursed, as he helps him across the lake. The scene just makes my heart melt!
#10. Brutus The Tender Bear
The enormous bear you can spot in the picture is named Brutus and weighs approximately 800 pounds. While the name Brutus doesn’t inspire much confidence, let me assure you, this bear is a total cutie! The friendship with Casey started when he was only a two-week-old cub.
Because the local wild park was overpopulated, Casey took on the challenge and created a sanctuary for grizzly bears. Because they’ve known each other for so long, they can even predict their moves (which comes in handy when handling a grizzly). For another tender bear friendship that you won’t want to miss, check out the next slide.
#9. The Cuddling Bear: Agee
Polar bears are majestic creatures. There is no doubt about that. They are fearsome animals that inspire both terror and awe. But while that is true for most, Mark built a unique and surprising relationship with this animal.
Contrary to what most of us think about polar bears, Mark’s pet, Agee behaves like a huge furry dog. Whenever Mark is upset, they share the bed. Plus, they love spending time together and playing games. Not to mention the polar bear’s addiction to the pool!
#8. Pet Pig Saves The Day
In recent years, many famous Hollywood stars have hopped on to the trend of caring for cute baby pigs. Seriously, I could hug those tiny creatures forever! The problem appears when these animals grow older because they can grow to enormous sizes.
One of the reasons people like these animals is the fact that they are super smart. For instance, the moment this woman suffered a heart attack, her pet pig rushed outside, calling for help. She drew attention to herself, saving her owner.
#7. The Lion Whisperer
Kevin Richardson is the second man on this list who knows his way amongst lions. In fact, he’s so good at what he does, many call him the Lion Whisperer. The man lives in South Africa and actually taught himself how to deal and raise these wild animals.
Kevin has some great memories as well as friendships to show for his years working with dangerous animals. Even though at times he learned the hard way, his knowledge of these animals is vast. He even managed to establish his own Private Game Reserve, which receives plenty of visitors each year.
#6. Horse To The Rescue
Horses are wonderful creatures and plenty of books, movies and even works of art involve this beautiful animal. Remember Spirit? Plus, they’ve got a fantastic temper that makes for great friend material. This particular Horse, Kerry, is also extremely protective of her owner, and let me tell you how.
Fiona was ferociously attacked by a cow while she was looking after its baby calf. In a moment of anger, the animal kicked and hurt Fiona. Upon seeing this situation, Kerry reacted quickly. She kicked off the cow and gave her owner time enough to escape. Regardless of what would happen to her own safety, the horse had to save her owner and friend.
#5. Best Friends With A Duck
There are plenty of kids books and movies featuring cute ducklings. However, Kylie went overboard when she actually struck a bond with a real duck. The pet first came into the girl’s life when she was five, and since then, they’ve been inseparable.
My heart truly melted over the fact that the Duck’s name is Snowflake. I just can’t handle the feels! Plus, both do everything together. From Sunday walks to shopping for her newest outfit, Kyle and Snowflake make a great pair.
#4. True Friendship Is Hard To Find
Dogs are definitely our best friend. They are loyal and great at making us laugh and we can never actually get tired of playing catch and ball with them. Debbie Parkhurst thought the world of her adoring pet dog, Toby. They’ve been together for a long time and even know each other’s perks.
When Debbie was alone in her home, she found herself choking on an apple. Unable to do anything about it, her dog came to the rescue. Toby threw her down and jumped on her chest till the danger was over. Miraculously, she was saved by the love of her life. For another story like this one, check out slide #2.
#3. Close Friends With Lions
This story actually became worldwide news. The girl in the photograph is a volunteer at a natural reserve in South Africa. When she started working there, she instantly fell in love with the lions. In turn, they fell back in love with her, and even enjoy her company.
In fact, they’ve bonded so much, the lions consider her as a legitimate authoritative figure. The friendship and the strange phenomena it entails caught the attention of Animal Planet, who decided it was worthwhile news. They registered the dynamics as “kissably close”.
#2. Bird To The Rescue
Hannah Kuusk was only two years old when she received a beautiful and exotic parrot for her birthday. Both were pretty much inseparable, and it’s a good thing they were. In fact, the child’s parents are more than grateful to the bird, and now give it the royal treatment he deserves.
When Hannah was left alone in her room, she accidentally started choking on something she’d eaten. In a desperate move to save her owner, the parrot started calling out “Mamma, Baby”. Fortunately, the babysitter heard the cries and helped Hannah. This little girl owes her life to this wonderful bird.
#1. Gilberto, The Friendly Crocodile
Last but not least is probably one of the strongest friendships you’ll ever hear about. And let me tell you, far from bringing crocodile tears to your eyes, it will make you believe in true love. Shedden, the man you can see in the picture below, found the croc in serious need for help.
This scary animal was badly hurt and was in desperate need of some care. When Shedded saw him, he took care of the animal, and in time, released him back into the wild. The curious thing is, Gilberto -the croc- was so grateful to the man he wasn’t in any hurry to say his goodbyes. Instead, they’ve stayed together since.