Everyone has a friend they can count on, even animals. It’s heartwarming to see how two creatures in need of love can form such a close bond – especially if they are animals of different species.
That was the story of a rhino and a zebra who became best friends after being rescued by an animal sanctuary.
In November, workers at the Care For Wild Rhino Sanctuary found a baby zebra abandoned in the reserve during heavy rainstorms.
Louwhen Bowker, a spokesperson for the park, told The Dodo that the zebra “was not moving and hardly breathing” and was about a week old. Although they mainly care for rhinos, they could do nothing but take in the abandoned zebra and name her Modjadji.
Although the young zebra stood out a bit in the rhino reserve, she quickly bonded with the rhinos.
A baby rhino named Aquazi was also found in the rain weeks later, and the two kindred spirits quickly developed a bond while staying together in intensive care.
“These two rain babies love spending their day together,” wrote Care for Wild. “While Modjadji already grazes on grass, little Aquazi is still young but starting to nibble a bit and explore the sweet shoots that his friend cares so much about.”
Eventually, Aquazi recovered and left intensive care. But Modjadji soon found a new friend who needed her love even more.
In December, Care for Wild discovered a rhino calf that was only 12 hours old. She was unable to stand, incredibly weak, and still had the umbilical cord.
It’s likely she was an orphaned rhino. She was found during a peak period of rhino births following a surge in wildlife poaching during the month of December.
They took on the care of the poor animal, knowing she had a long way to go. They named her Daisy.
Upon arriving at the reserve, it didn’t take long for Modjadji to take care of the little orphan.
“As they grew stronger and braver, their curiosity took over, and they began to communicate with each other,” Bowker told The Dodo. “Rhinos are very social animals and need companionship. Modjadji is fantastic company for Daisy and is very affectionate towards her.”
“Modjadji is fantastic company for Daisy and very affectionate towards her,” Rachael Pfeiffer of the reserve told Newsweek.
They snuggle together at night, providing Daisy with comfort and security. She is a friend who can be with her 24/7, helping to avoid too much human contact with Daisy.”
Despite their sad beginnings, Daisy and Modjadji have become quite playful, sometimes like a pair of mischievous young children.
In one post, the sanctuary mentioned how Modjadji showed her rhino friend how to sneak into the milk preparation station and the two enjoyed teasing one of the workers.
“Nothing escapes these two!” wrote Care for Wild. “These two friends are becoming very mischievous…”
And with no mother to teach the young rhino how to behave, the zebra has taken on this task.
One video shows Modjadji teaching Daisy how to graze, although the rhino “has not quite mastered the art yet.”
Eventually, these two best friends will go their separate ways: Modjadji will join a herd of zebras and Daisy will join the other rhinos.
But we know they will always have a place in each other’s hearts. They showed each other love and friendship when they needed it most.
What a cute friendship. Sometimes love transcends species, and it’s clear that these two beings truly needed each other.
Share this heartwarming story if you love animals! ❤️
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