June, 2023 Is National Zoo and Aquarium Month
When we think about cheetahs, the idea of these wild cats forming friendships with dogs seems extremely unlikely. But cheetahs can become anxious, particularly when interacting with humans in a zoo environment. The San Diego Zoo solved this problem by introducing one of their cheetah cubs, Arusha, to a Golden Retriever named Anna, and the animals became best friends. Arusha and Anna eventually became animal ambassadors, meeting thousands of visitors at the San Diego Zoo, and other cheetah/dog friendships soon followed.
Here are some great books about unusual animal friendships to help celebrate National Zoo and Aquarium Month 2023:
Hey Otter! Hey Beaver! by Brian Pinkney
A Friend Like No Otter by Nelly Buchet
Fish and Crab by Marianna Coppo
Frank and Bert (Frank and Bert #1) by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros
Can We Be Friends?: Unexpected Animal Friendships from Around the World by Erica Sirotich
Party Hearty Kitty-Corn (Kitty-Corn) by Shannon Hale
Walter Had a Best Friend by Deborah Underwood
Sydney & Taylor and the Great Friend Expedition (Sydney & Taylor) by Jacqueline Davies
A Lot to Like! (Croc and Ally) by Derek Anderson
The One and Only Ruby (One and Only #3) by Katherine Applegate
Molly: The True Story of the Dog Who Rescues Lost Cats by Colin Butcher
Sir Ladybug and the Bookworms (Sir Ladybug #3) by Corey R Tabor
The Evil Eel (Crab & Snail #3) by Beth Ferry