Animals might care as much about friendship as humans do. Humans like to have pals with different interests and backgrounds, and it seems some animals feel the same. For proof of these cute and diverse companionships, we have compiled 23 of the most adorable and unlikely animal friendships.
1 | This cuddly dog-and-cat duo
ShutterstockThe old adage "fighting like cats and dogs" doesn't seem to apply here.
2 | These farm animal friends
ShutterstockThe farm dream team.
3 | This kitten and duckling pair
ShutterstockThese two fresh-faced fluffs make a perfect pair.
4 | These curiously sized creatures
ShutterstockIf there was ever a time for the expression "that dog is as big as a horse," it would be now.
5 | These Easter friends
ShutterstockThis Easter basket starter pack makes us excited for spring.
6 | These zoo pals
ShutterstockThe only thing cuter than a giraffe/elephant friendship is a baby giraffe and baby elephant friendship.
7 | This unusual duo
ShutterstockButterflies actually hang out with crocodiles quite often. In fact, in 2014, aquatic ecologist Carlos de la Rosa discovered that butterflies drink crocodile tears. As the scientist outlines in his paper published in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, these tears are full of sodium, which butterflies need for their metabolic and reproductive processes.
8 | This sweet puppy/piglet pairing
ShutterstockThis Saint Bernard is definitely showing his plump piglet pal some puppy love.
9 | This symbiotic relationship
iStockThis oxpecker is hitching a free ride on the head of their impala friend while looking for snacks. The oxpecker and impala antelope actually have a symbiotic relationship: While the oxpecker makes a meal out of ticks, the impala is freed from the little bloodsuckers.
10 | This moo-tiful friendship
iStockThe internet is surprisingly filled with cute videos of friendships between cows and pigs.
11 | This dog/frog friendship
ShutterstockThis dog looks completely unbothered by the fact that his best frog friend is hanging out on his head. It looks like something straight out of a children's book!
12 | This potbelly pig and pretty deer
ShutterstockWe've never seen this version of Bambi, but we'd certainly love to.
13 | This Sphynx cat and ferret friendship
ShutterstockThese two cuddly creatures make an unlikely but precious pair.
14 | This frog and butterfly bond
ShutterstockBefore this picture was taken, these two friends even appeared to share a kiss. D'aww!
15 | This sweet Serengeti alliance
ShutterstockNothing to see here; just two long-legged animals strutting their stuff through the desert in perfect harmony.
16 | This lazy, lounging pair
ShutterstockThis cat lounging in their monkey friend's arms looks so cozy.
17 | These cold weather comrades
ShutterstockThese two are probably bonding over their love of snow.
18 | This domesticated duo
iStockBunnies and cats don't always get along—but when they do, they make for one adorable duo.
19 | This meow-nificant friendship
ShutterstockThis tiny trio has stolen our hearts!
20 | This boar and bunny pair
ShutterstockThis sleepy boar is crushing a nap while his bunny buddies happily hop around.
21 | This tiger and bear bond
Shutterstock"Tigers and bears, oh my!"
22 | This unlikely dog/bunny friendship
ShutterstockThis bunny-and-dog duo is on high alert for people who want to pet them.
23 | This baby animal alliance
ShutterstockThese two youngins are forming a forever bond.
Additional reporting by Sarah Crow.