Who said chimpanzees and gorillas could never be friends? Indeed, these human-like creatures can have a love-hate relationship too! In 2007, wildlife photographer Michael Poliza was able to capture photos showing the friendship between these two orphaned primates. Their close relationship was just so endearing, seeing the pictures alone can make you go, “Aww.”
Poliza went to Gabon, a country in Central Africa, and visited the Evaro Gorilla Orphanage where he saw the two orphans. As pointed out by the photographer, their behavior might be influenced by the fact that they are motherless; since parentless animals create stronger bonds with each other to recreate a home for themselves.
Through playing and bonding, the chimpanzee and gorilla formed a connection that shows how animal friendship can also resonate with people. Fifteen years later, Poliza noted that the unlikely friendship is an important message about the state of the world today.
“The world has not necessarily become a better and more peaceful place in the last 10 years,” Poliza says. “But seeing this proves that much of our problems are based on trained behavior. Communication is key. That's why traveling is so important. It gives us a chance to meet people from other cultures, backgrounds, and origins and, through communication, learn about other perspectives.”
See more sweet photos of these two besties over at My Modern Met.
Image credit: Michael Poliza