Friendships look different for everyone, even in the animal kingdom. We all know that cats and dogs from the same household can become best friends, playing together and even napping side by side. Well, it turns out the same is true for wild animals, too.
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya recently rescued two baby animals that, under normal circumstances, would never cross paths—let alone become friends. But, in the safety of the Nairobi Nursery, Tytan, a black rhino calf, and his new bestie, Notty, an orphaned zebra foal, have formed an unlikely bond, over breakfast!
A recent TikTok video shared by @sheldricktrust shows the two standing side by side, happily enjoying their milk bottles—and we just can’t get enough of them!
Rescued about a week apart, the two have quickly become inseparable. Just weeks ago, they were each all alone in the world after unrelated tragic accidents claimed the lives of their mothers. Now, they rely on each other for comfort and companionship as they heal and grow alongside one another.
Related: Blind Rhino and His Baby Elephant Bestie Share Extra-Special Daily Greeting
Many followers left encouraging and thoughtful comments about the incredible work the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust does for animals—and there were a few funny ones mixed in too! Here are a few highlights:
“So very precious!!! Grateful to each and every one involved in the protection and preservation of our wildlife.”
“Besties don’t let besties snack alone!”
“The cutest and oddest pair—love this! In nature this wouldn’t happen, and this is the magic you create for the orphans you rescue. Simply marvelous!”
“They probably chat late at night and realized they have so much in common and became BFFs!”
Question and Answer With the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Commenter @ poolgirlphotog asked, “Do these relationships carry over into the wild?” to which SWT replied, “Interspecies friendships usually fade as the orphans grow older and start to follow their own path — but these bonds are very special during a formative part of their lives!”
Another curious follower, @beths.kidz wanted to know, “Will a keeper start wearing a striped coat for Notty to imprint on? And the answer might surprise you: “Yes, we have a zebra coat in the mix!”
Notty and Tytan spend a lot of their time together. Whether they’re eating, exploring, or just sleeping next to each other in their respective stalls, they’ve become the most precious odd couple in the sanctuary—and quite possibly the world!
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This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Nov 11, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.