'[They] have a very unique but precious relationship': Lonely cheetah and kind tortoise become best friends in a conservation foundation, cuddling and eating with one another

Author image for Mariel Ruvinsky
Mariel Ruvinsky • Writer and Editor
May 2, 2026 11:00 AM EDT

Friendship comes in all shapes and sizes, and that is true for animals too. The "strangest" bonds are often the cutest. 

We all know that cats have a reputation for being solitary creatures, aloof, not needing anyone. What we don't know is how they gained that reputation. Despite the rumors, cats are incredibly friendly… when they choose to be. It is true that cats are picky about who they become friends with, but that is true for all of us. And just like us, once cats choose someone to be friends with, they bond with that someone incredibly strongly. And it's not just humans or other cats. 

Cats bond with other animals all the time - house cats and big cats. We have seen, of course, cats become friends with dogs, despite all of their differences. We have seen a lion bond with a tiny dachshund, to the point that it caused more harm to separate the two than to keep them together. And we could never forget the iconic trio - a lion, a tiger and a bear who became lifelong friends after getting rescued from a criminal's home. They choose their friends carefully and for different reasons, but once they bond, breaking that bond is impawssible. 

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

Advertisement
  • 01
    Cheezburger Image 10627331840
    via carsonspringswildlife

  • Tuesday and Penzi are best friends. Come see them at Carson Springs Wildlife!!!

  • 02
    Cheezburger Image 10627332096
    via carsonspringswildlife

  • “Did you know that a tortoise and a cheetah can actually be best friends?” That is the question that was asked, over and over, by commenters when Tuesday and Penzi went viral online for the first time. Because it is a unique friendship to see. Strange but really wholesome. 

    According to WCJB, at Carson's Springs, Tuesday, one of the cheetahs, and Penzi, the African Spurred tortoise, have “a very unique but precious relationship”. When Tuesday was young, she was moved out of the conservation foundation's owners' house. And seeing as cheetahs are friendly animals who need the company of others to feel their best, they figured Penzi would keep Tuesday company. 

  • 03
    Cheezburger Image 10627332608
    via carsonspringswildlife
  • 04
    Cheezburger Image 10627332352
    via carsonspringswildlife
  • 05
    Cheezburger Image 10627333376
    via carsonspringswildlife

  • Tuesday loves to eat Penzi’s diet!!

  • 06
    Cheezburger Image 10627332864
    via carsonspringswildlife
  • 07
    Cheezburger Image 10627333120
    via carsonspringswildlife

  • Generally, cheetahs don't prey on tortoises, so it was a rather safe bet. And although most cheetahs would simply ignore a tortoise, “Tuesday particularly loves Penzi”. And she makes sure to show Penzi her love by demostrating her affection very often. 

    Sometimes, they even share food together. Penzi loves eating avocados and corn on the cob, and although cheetahs don't generally eat vegetables, sometimes, Tuesday likes to join in. Just because the company is so, so nice. 

  • 08
    Cheezburger Image 10627333632
    via carsonspringswildlife
  • 09
    Cheezburger Image 10627375616
    via WCJB
  • 10
    Cheezburger Image 10627376128
    via WCJB
  • 11
    Cheezburger Image 10627375872
    via WCJB
  • 12
    Cheezburger Image 10627376384
    via WCJB

Want More? Follow Us and Add Us as a Preferred Source on Google.

Tags

wholesome cat adorable cheetah friends cute tortoise turtle unique Cats
Scroll Down For The Next Article