A musk lorikeet and red-tailed black cockatoo have become unexpected friends at a wildlife sanctuary in Australia. Raphael, a musk lorikeet, and George, a red-tailed black cockatoo, have become pals despite the huge difference in their sizes.
Greg Irons, the director of Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in Tasmania, described the birds’ relationship as being “love at first sight” and added, “I can’t say I’ve ever seen a relationship like that between species.”
He said that birds of different subspecies are usually “ambivalent” towards each other but Raphael and George defied the normal expectations and surprised the staff. “[N]obody at Bonorong expected them to form such a tight bond when they first moved in together, but they have surprised us,” Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary wrote on Facebook.
“We’re not quite sure what brought them together, but they have become inseparable! Wherever George goes, Raphael is not far behind him. You’ll often see them sleeping all snuggled up together or loudly chatting with passing guests,” the sanctuary added.
The staff had attempted to buddy up George with other cockatoos, but George showed more interest in people. Raphael also had trouble making friends among the other sanctuary’s lorikeets. But when the two met each other their connection was instantaneous.
“I always have to stop and look at them when they’re snuggled up together because they’re just so happy,” Irons told ABC Net.
Irons added that Raphael is probably a bit more affectionate towards George and the little bird will often take shelter under the wing of George. But Irons has also seen George “George sneak over for a cuddle as well on a cold night.”
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