Why Do They Happen?

Interspecies friendships may seem unusual, but they occur for a variety of reasons beyond instinct. Some animals form bonds out of necessity—seeking comfort, protection, or companionship in unfamiliar environments, such as sanctuaries or zoos.

Others develop friendships due to shared social behaviors, intelligence, or curiosity, leading them to interact playfully with other species. Scientists also suggest that emotional connections, similar to those seen in humans, play a role—many animals exhibit empathy, trust, and even grief when separated from their companions.

These relationships challenge the traditional view that nature is solely driven by survival and competition, revealing a more complex, social, and emotional side of the animal kingdom.