When zoo keepers at the Metro Richmond Zoo determined that Kumbali’s mother was not providing enough milk for her three cubs, he started being hand raised by the zoo’s staff. As he grew older, his motor skills improved and he needed a companion to explore and play with.
The zoo’s team decided to bring Kago, a Labrador Retriever mix who was adopted from a pet rescue organization, to be Kumbali’s companion.
The two got off to a rocky start, as Kumbali was uncertain about his new four-legged companion. After a short period of inspection, Kumbali and Kago quickly became very close friends.
The two seem like an unlikely pair, but in captivity, dogs have been used as cheetah companions for over 30 years. Dogs provide a calming influence on cheetahs, who are less confident and fearful of new surroundings.
Kumbali and Kago have developed such a close bond that they act like brothers, and wherever one goes, the other is not far behind.
Watch the entire video below to see the amazing bond between Kumbali and Kago.
Were you surprised by these atypical friends? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
[Featured image credit: Metro Richmond Zoo]