We know that dogs are human’s best friend, but did you know that at least one dog is an orangutan’s best friend too? It was like love at first sight, from the moment Suriya the orangutan and Roscoe, the blue tick hound, laid eyes on each other. (Check out Roscoe’s expression in each of these photos. He’s the picture of true contentment.)
The two first crossed paths at a South Carolina preserve for endangered animals (The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (TIGERS) ) two years ago. According to Dr Bhagavan Antle, founder of TIGERS:
“He followed us through the gate and ran over and found Suryia. As soon as he saw Roscoe, Suryia ran over to him and they started playing. It was unusual because dogs are usually scared of primates but they took to each other straight away. We made a few calls to see if he belonged to anyone and when no-one came forward, Roscoe ended up staying.”
They relax together.
They chill at the water’s edge.
The even swim together.
They are friends for a lifetime. (Check out how Suriya is holding Roscoe’s paw with his foot!)
Below are two videos about how they met, and their lives together. Since Canadians don’t seem to be able to view the National Geographic video (could they if it were “International Geographic”?), we’re first presenting an alternative. It’s less professional, but perhaps more heartfelt.
