They say the best kind of friendship is the most unlikely – as proven by this unusual animal duo.
During a walk outside, baby rhino Gertje and beloved sheep Lammie, demonstrate their strong connection by skipping and playing together.
Karien Smit, an assistant curator of the National Museum, caught a stunning moment in which Gertle, a white rhino, imitates its friend by hopping around like a lamb.
As the Dorpa sheep shoots up and down the dusty road, the orphaned rhino becomes ecstatic as it spins in circles attempting to mimic its steps.
Tragically, Gertje was saved after being discovered next to his mother’s de.a.d body, which had been brutally mu.rder.ed by poa.ch.ers for her horn.
Gertje, or Little G as he is now known, was then moved to Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre in Pretoria, South Africa, where he was paired with Lammie.
Since then, the adorable pair have become inseparable, with only each other’s side for most of their waking hours.
“As soon as the two bonded, Gertjie was ecstatic and pleased; he had a companion who was there for him at all times of day or night.”
They are the best pals and partners, and they spend almost all of their time together.
“They definitely notice each other’s actions, for example, Gertjie will ‘play’ with the ball in the way that Lammie does, and if Gertjie is sleeping, Lammie will as well.
“When Gertjie and Lammie got excited while playing, they both started jumping about.”
“When they are happy, that is when they start to play.
“Normally, they would be calm and grazing, but after a run or a mud bath, you can definitely see that they are energized and enthusiastic.
“Some people believe that Gertjie was hostile towards Karien, but this is not true at all.”
“You may observe that Gertjie is thrilled in the video, playing with his caregiver and sheep buddy.”
