These 23 Unlikely Animal Friendships Will Melt Your Heart
These unusual animal pairings are sure to make you smile.

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

The old adage "fighting like cats and dogs" doesn't seem to apply here.
2
These farm animal friends

The farm dream team.
3
This kitten and duckling pair

These two fresh-faced fluffs make a perfect pair.
4
These curiously sized creatures

If there was ever a time for the expression "that dog is as big as a horse," it would be now.
5
These Easter friends

This Easter basket starter pack makes us excited for spring.
6
These zoo pals

The only thing cuter than a giraffe/elephant friendship is a baby giraffe and baby elephant friendship.
7
This unusual duo

Butterflies 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

This Saint Bernard is definitely showing his plump piglet pal some puppy love.
9
This symbiotic relationship

This 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

The internet is surprisingly filled with cute videos of friendships between cows and pigs.
11
This dog/frog friendship

This 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

We've never seen this version of Bambi, but we'd certainly love to.
13
This Sphynx cat and ferret friendship

These two cuddly creatures make an unlikely but precious pair.
14
This frog and butterfly bond

Before this picture was taken, these two friends even appeared to share a kiss. D'aww!
15
This sweet Serengeti alliance

Nothing to see here; just two long-legged animals strutting their stuff through the desert in perfect harmony.
16
This lazy, lounging pair

This cat lounging in their monkey friend's arms looks so cozy.
17
These cold weather comrades

These two are probably bonding over their love of snow.
18
This domesticated duo

Bunnies and cats don't always get along—but when they do, they make for one adorable duo.
19
This meow-nificant friendship

This tiny trio has stolen our hearts!
20
This boar and bunny pair

This sleepy boar is crushing a nap while his bunny buddies happily hop around.
21
This tiger and bear bond

"Tigers and bears, oh my!"
22
This unlikely dog/bunny friendship

This bunny-and-dog duo is on high alert for people who want to pet them.
23
This baby animal alliance

These two youngins are forming a forever bond.
Additional reporting by Sarah Crow.