“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress
can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
Mahatma Gandhi

Animals unlike man, kill not from hatred or pleasure, but for their survival. Man has always believed that there are certain animals that are enemies by nature.

However, when I saw this photo of a one year old cheetah with her canine friend, it touched my heart. How did these two unlikely animals become inseparable?

Their story began last year when eight cheetah cubs were born in captivity at the Leo Zoological Conservation Center in Greenwich, Connecticut. Unfortunately, three of the cubs were cast out by their mother because she was unable to nurse eight cubs. Two of the male cubs bonded which left the female all alone. It was up to the staff at the center to nurse the outcast cub back to health.

It was important for the survival of the female cub to bond with another cub or animal. So, the center searched for an animal.  When they introduced Adaeze the cheetah cub to Odie, a 7-year-old dog, the two animals bonded instantly.

Whatever the reason for this bonding of two enemies of the animal kingdom, it just goes to show us humans that even our enemies can become our allies. All it takes is for us to learn to have a mutual respect for one another.

Shine On