The COVID-19 pandemic has badly affected people all over the world, and all this social distancing and self-isolation brings rather dull news. However, animals surely aren’t complaining. Since most of the public places where people can interact with animals are closed, they are surely enjoying more freedom.
Many zoo animals who are generally confined to their enclosures are having the time of their lives at the moment. Also, the staff of many zoos has taken steps to make their animals interact with the outside world. For example, the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago recently took their penguins on a field trip. Also, orangutans and otters in Pairi Daiza zoo, Belgium have started a unique friendship, which is very fascinating. If you think that’s not incredible enough, wait till you learn about these dolphins that are literally losing their minds at the sight of a sloth.
#1
#2
If we ever had a competition for the most unlikely friendship on Earth, this amazing friendship between dolphins and a sloth will surely win. Sloths surely aren’t the most exciting animals on Earth, but dolphins are definitely one of the most cheerful ones. Maybe that’s why the Texas State Aquarium came up with the idea to let these polar-opposite animals meet.
#3
#4
While the aquarium doors are closed to visitors, the 3-year-old local celebrity Chico the sloth had a trip around the aquarium. Chico was taken on an eye-opening adventure through the Gulf of Mexico exhibits, and the journey was indeed memorable.
#5
Before meeting the seahorses, Chico met some ducks. He was then taken to see a shark and more colorful fish, and Chico was quite interested in jellyfish.
However, nothing compares to his meeting with dolphins who were excitedly waiting to welcome him. The usually cheerful and curious dolphins were absolutely fascinated by their unusual visitor. The dolphins’ excitement was obvious from the way they stared at Chico. Although Chico didn’t show much emotion, he also surely enjoyed this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
#6
#7
#8
The Aquarium staff reportedly takes their animals on such ‘adventures’ frequently, as a form of enrichment. They believe that letting individuals of different species meet each other helps them be active both physically and mentally. Sloths and dolphins are two of the most popular animals in the aquarium, so testing the waters between them was an obvious choice.
The Aquarium staff explained that dolphins are always very curious about other Aquarium residents. Four male bottlenose dolphins named Shadow, Kai, Liko, and Schooner were the lucky four who got to meet Chico.
You Can Watch The Video Of Chico’s Adventure Here
The Aquarium staff is busy throughout the pandemic too. They have been constantly caring about the animals, preparing their meals, feeding them, maintaining their enclosures, and attending to their medical needs. Conducting ‘animal interspecies meetups’ is also another way that the staff is ‘closed but still caring’ during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Aquarium hopes to share more such adorable stories to keep their guests and visitors ‘engaged, educated and entertained’ from the comfort of their homes.
Here’s How People Reacted To This Adorable Story
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
