Unexpected Love

I've always loved hearing stories about animals who have taken others of a different species under their wing and cared for them. Orphans who have no one to care for them because their mothers have abandoned them or have been killed suddenly find an unexpected friend to guide them through their need. I think that the photos of this really grab your emotions; it's just a really remarkable act to see an animal volunteer their time and energy to the raising of another species.


Baby piglets wearing costumes to match their "mother!" Link

Dachshund and baby goat. Link

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It's really difficult not to anthropomorphize in these cases where you really think that you see love and affection coming out of these animals. While it is highly likely that animal mothers take in these different species out of love and that motherly instinct, you can't assume that these animals are feeling the same emotions as humans in these actions. Regardless, I think it is really an amazing and touching thing to see other mothers volunteer to take in young animals of another species.