Sometimes, strangers can end up becoming the best of friends.
Here at LittleThings, we've seen incredibly heartwarming stories that center around the unlikeliest bonds that have been made. There is just a feeling of genuine affection that certain animals can have for each other, and this warm sense of compassion is what we humans should always learn to sustain for each other.
One of the most touching friendships was made on the Falkland Islands between a lost little penguin and a herd of a different species. These animals were not shy at all to be around the penguin, even though it was a very novel encounter for all of them.
The Daily Mail spoke to one of the conservationists at the Cape Pembrokeshire Nature Reserve, where the unlikely friends met.
Read on to find out how this one little penguin was "rescued" by the gentlest giants, and let us know what you think in the comments.
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h/t: Daily Mail
For the past few decades, the Falkland Islands have been home to 5 distinct penguin species.
The Islands (which make up an area no larger than the state of Connecticut) are home to a few thousand people, a couple hundred thousand sheep, a sizable fish population, groups of other animals — and around 500,000 penguins.
Yet, one little guy managed to unfortunately get separated from his group. He was on the Cape Pembrokeshire Nature Reserve, just five miles from Stanley, the capital city.
Then, the unexpected happened. A herd of horses came upon the little penguin, and didn't hesitate to embrace him into their herd.
Sarah Crofts, of the Falklands Conservation group, witnessed this unlikely bond as she was tending to her horses.
She snapped these photos of the meeting between these friendly strangers, and noted just how engaging the horses became.
"I didn't think the horses would take much notice of the penguin, but I couldn't believe how fascinated they were with it," she said. "I'm really enthusiastic about horses and penguins so it was an incredible moment to witness."
Horses on the reservation usually never come into contact with penguins.
Initially, the herd cautiously approached the penguin, and lowered their heads so they could stand at eye-level with him. Soon after, however, Crofts said that they edged closer to each other and were nose to beak.
The penguin waddled around on the frosty white turf with his wings outstretched, while the horses playfully chased after him.
"The horses were genuinely curious about the penguin and it seemed to turn into a game for them where they'd check him out one by one and then run off," said Crofts.
"After a while, it was as if the horses didn't want to let the penguins out of their sights."
In the end, we can be thankful that the horses happened to be on the scene to "adopt" the penguin into their family, and that they became so fond of him.
What did you think of this heartwarming meeting between the new friends? Let us know in the comments, and please SHARE!
