These images demonstrate how a warthog and two baboons that adore riding on his back have developed an unexpected bond.
When the animals first met at Zɪᴍʙᴀʙᴡᴇ’s “Free to be Wild” wildlife rehabilitation facility, they formed a special bond.
After being washed down in a river during a flood with his sister, 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 warthog Bangwe was brought to the facility where he met baboon Umfazi who had previously been there for a year.
After her mother was fatally ᴍᴜʀᴅᴇʀed on a farm four years ago, the infant baboon was saved when she was only a few weeks old. The monkey and his friend frequently ride on each other’s backs and even cuddle up for an afternoon nap.
Baye Elisabeth Pigors, 24, the founder of Free to be Wild and a student of veterinary nursing, said that Umfazi started riding Bangwe from the early days as a warmth and comfort thing. Soon, the other baboons began riding him as well.
It’s hilarious to see them interact and play together because it seems neither of them is aware that they are from different species. Of course, when the baboons ᴅᴇsᴛʀᴏʏ a tree and Bangwe is trapped at the bottom, this turns into a war.
Baye Elisabeth Pigors thinks the friendship started because they are both very gregarious and affectionate species, and since they were drawn to one another because they needed intimate contact in an unfamiliar setting.
