hyena

One of our favorite things in the world is interspecies friendships. They're so cool and interesting, and the circumstances which led to those friendships are just as interesting if not more. The latest unlikely friendship that we've come across is one that seems like it's straight out of a Disney movie - a meerkat, a hyena cub, and two lion cubs.

Yeah, we know, aren't hyenas and lions mortal enemies? And isn't a meerkat merely a snack for hyenas and lions? Normally, the answer to both would be yes. But in this situation, under their special circumstances, in a zoo in South Africa, a strange and beautiful friendship has formed. 

These adorable animals all met when they were just babies. As they explain in the video: Qala - the hyena - arrived at the zoo as an orphan after her mom was caught in a farmer's trap, Safari and Sussie - the lion cubs - were rejected by their mother at birth, and Pokkel - the coolest meerkat in the world - was found simply wandering alone without its family.

Their friendship may not last forever, since both the lions and hyena are growing, and their instincts should be kicking in soon, so even playfighting might become dangerous for Pokkel. But for now, this is one of the cutest unlikely friendships we've ever seen, and we're glad that these cuties are enjoying each other. 

Hyenas can be super duper cute! And a hyena cub? Always cute. 

Here's a mother who loves her baby and shows it by grooming and snuggling with the sweet cub. That moment when the cub flops down onto her.. endless squeals! Animal relationships with their mothers are just so gosh-darn special, we can hardly stand it. 

If you look closely, it almost looks like the mom is sleeping throughout the whole video. As if our hearts could handle any more cuteness.