We tend to think of animals as sticking to their own kind, but the natural world has other ideas.
Across sanctuaries, forests, farms, and even oceans, surprising cross-species friendships have formed, often defying instincts and expectations. Some are practical, some are emotional, and some just seem to be about pure connection. Here are 10 remarkable animal friendships that prove you don’t have to look alike, or even live alike, to bond.
1. A dog and a cheetah at a wildlife park
In several wildlife parks and zoos, cheetahs raised in captivity have formed strong bonds with specially selected dogs—usually calm, confident breeds like Labradors. The dog provides social cues and emotional grounding for the cheetah, especially if it’s shy or anxious.
This pairing works because dogs tend to be socially adaptable, while cheetahs, despite their wild nature, are often surprisingly gentle in captivity. Their friendship might not make sense at first glance, but it helps both animals thrive—and sometimes even play together like lifelong pals.
2. A goat and a blind horse
In multiple cases across sanctuaries, goats have stepped into the role of companion and guide for blind horses. They offer calm companionship, but more importantly, they act as a kind of “emotional anchor,” helping the horse feel safe and oriented.
The goat often becomes fiercely loyal, walking beside the horse, resting nearby, and alerting it to changes in its environment. It’s a beautiful example of instinctive care—two entirely different species quietly supporting each other.
3. A crow and a kitten
In one now-famous backyard friendship, a wild crow began bringing food to an abandoned kitten. The two would meet regularly, share snacks, and even play—despite having no obvious reason to bond. The crow seemed to take on a caregiver role.
Crows are incredibly intelligent and social, and they’ve been known to form bonds outside their species. In this case, what started as curiosity turned into genuine attachment—and the kitten thrived under the crow’s unexpected guardianship.
4. A great dane and a deer
After a deer began wandering into a backyard regularly, a great dane struck up an unlikely friendship. Rather than chasing or barking, the dog calmly walked with the deer, sharing space and even lying down beside it during visits. The bond continued for years, with the deer returning to the same yard and showing clear recognition of its oversized companion. It’s one of those friendships that doesn’t need logic—just mutual respect and comfort.
5. An orangutan and a hound dog
At a wildlife rehabilitation centre, a lonely orangutan who had lost his mother was paired with a rescued hound dog for companionship. The two became inseparable—eating, walking, and even swimming together every day. Orangutans are highly emotional and intelligent, and in this case, the steady presence of the dog helped ease anxiety and build trust. It wasn’t just a feel-good story—it was an essential bond that supported healing on both sides.
6. A cat and a squirrel
After a baby squirrel fell from its nest and was taken in by a family, the household cat—normally indifferent to most things—started grooming and cuddling it. The squirrel, in turn, would curl up with the cat and follow it around the house like a sibling.
Even after the squirrel grew and was given access to the outdoors, it continued to return home to spend time with its feline friend. What could’ve been a predator-prey situation turned into a surprisingly warm bond that lasted through the seasons.
7. A dolphin and a dog
At a marine centre, a golden retriever became fascinated by the dolphins in the nearby pool. One dolphin, in particular, began surfacing regularly to meet the dog at the same spot—sometimes even bringing it toys or nudging the surface to play.
The friendship became a daily ritual, with both animals appearing to look forward to their brief meetings. It’s a reminder that curiosity can lead to connection—even between a land-dwelling pet and a sea creature with a completely different life.
8. A piglet and a baby cow
In an animal sanctuary, a rescued piglet and a calf were placed in the same recovery pen—and bonded almost instantly. Despite their different personalities, they started sleeping beside each other, playing, and grooming one another.
This type of cross-species friendship is especially common in young animals who are adjusting to new environments. They offer each other comfort and safety when everything else feels unfamiliar—which can create a lifelong emotional bond.
9. A duck and a golden retriever
After a duckling imprinted on a golden retriever, the pair became constant companions. The duck followed the dog everywhere—into the house, around the yard, even onto its bed. The dog, for its part, showed incredible patience and affection.
Imprinting isn’t uncommon, but what makes this bond remarkable is how the friendship lasted well beyond the duckling stage. The retriever adapted to life with a feathered sidekick, and the duck never wandered far from its chosen family.
10. A macaque and a kitten
In several cases, macaques in rescue centres have adopted stray kittens—carrying them around, grooming them, and protecting them from other animals. The kitten usually responds with full trust, curling up and letting the macaque act as a stand-in parent.
This kind of nurturing behaviour isn’t entirely rare in primates, but seeing it extended across species is always striking. It shows just how instinctive care can be—even when biology says nothing about being compatible.