Amiable Animals

Bam Bam the grizzly and Vali the chimpanzee at their home at Myrtle Beach Safari Park in South Carolina

Many negative news stories that we see in the media today have to do with people whose regions, religions, races and other attributes and belief systems are at odds. Unfortunately these differences plus intolerance can lead to violence and tragedy. In fact, the world is so full of these conflicts that sometimes it's hard to envision it free of strife and in peace.

Perhaps we can follow the lead of the animals in these photos. These animals embrace each other in spite of whether one is traditionally seen as the other's prey, or despite their opposite looks and ways. Maybe in some cases it's beneficial to have a brain that isn't as evolved as that of humans. At any rate, these animal bonds are much less about complexity and focus on differences and more about the positive feelings of touch and companionship in an immense, often frightening world.

See more of these charming photographs here. 

Zinzi the abandoned lion cub and Bob the meerkat at home in South Africa's predator world zoo

Baby monkey cuddling with lion and tiger cubs at a wildlife park in China