Animal Kingdom has offered some very strange friendships, but this one is perhaps the strangest (and perhaps the cutest). A lion cub and a chimpanzee are best friends and win hearts with their special bond.
The two unusual friends were born at the Zoological Wildlife Foundation in Miami, Florida and have been in love ever since they met. Although Limbani the Chimpanzee is 3 years old and his best friend Binta is only 6 months old, that doesn’t stop them from playing and fighting together whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Up-to-date footage of the two rolling across the lawn reached directly to the hearts of the audience. They hug and push each other like two little children. If you see them spending time together, it is impossible not to love them right away.
“Our goal is to educate the public about the threats these animals face in the wild and what can be done to protect them,” said Matthew Dillon, communications director for the Zoological Wildlife Foundation. “Binta has known Limbani since she was born and they have clearly adapted a style of play to suit both of them.”
Although Binta’s teeth are quite sharp despite her age, and that could hurt Limbani, Dillon said playtime actually helps the lion cub develop a social life. Limbani, on the other hand, is known to be a very kind spirit and also a very intelligent chimpanzee. His hobbies include some activities that sound quite challenging even for a chimpanzee, such as painting or talking on the phone.
Watch Binta and Limbani play together, below: