Zoo Animals and Zookeepers Who Have a Special Bond

Dec 30, 2021 3:00 PM EST

We're just coming out of a long stretch of attractions being closed to the public, and zoos are no exception. This week was annual Visit The Zoo Day, and while it's a shame that we weren't able to observe it last year, the closures did allow one thing to blossom: the relationship between zookeepers and the animals they care for. Yes, with fewer people around, animals became very attached to the people who make sure they're safe and healthy, and many zookeepers have felt that attachment too.

After all, how many of us spent more of the past year with animals or plants than with people? Interspecies friendships always give us warm fuzzies, so here are some special friendships between lots of different types of animals and the zookeepers who hang out with them all day. Zookeepers work extra hard and their work is often very physically and mentally challenging, but it's also very rewarding thanks to the connections they get to make with the animals.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to start your Caturday with the funniest felines on the internet!

01

via Mathrubhumi

At the zoo in Thrissur, India, a fairly new keeper named Deepu became the favorite of two big cats: Ganga (a leopard) and Rishi (a tiger). The two of them love to play with him and always run to him as soon as they see him coming. When Deepu had to start wearing a mask and gloves, Rish and Ganga weren't sure what to think of this new version of their friend. But when he spoke, they recognized his voice and realized it was their same old playmate.
02

via Star Herald

At the Riverside Discovery Center in Nebraska, many Zookeepers hail from far away. The Star Herald reported that being so far from home and often lonely during lockdowns was much easier because the keepers get to do what they love by caring for animals.
03

via Star Herald

The zookeepers think of the animals like a second family, and have a relationship with every single one that they take care of. Having that bond makes even the hard work easier, both from an emotional standpoint and a logistical one: if the animals trust their keepers, it's easier to get them through things like medical treatment and other challenges.
04

via u/Primo2000

Reddit user Primo2000 posted this super-cute video of a rhino who gets zoomies (get it? ZOOmies?), meaning he runs around, when he sees his favorite caretaker--which is pretty silly to see on such a big, intimidating animal.
05

via Boredpanda

At a zoo in Skopje, North Macedonia, photographer Goran Anastasovsky captured several beautiful close-ups of the giraffes and caretaker, whom they all love. The giraffes like the keeper's company so much that they follow him around, lick him, and eat from his hands and mouth.
06

via Boredpanda
07

via Boredpanda
08

via Awesome Ocean
09

via Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
10

via u/iBleeedorange
11

via u/Famebofaey
12

via u/amersaurus