Just like us, animals are social creatures. Different species form groups to provide love, attention, protection, and necessities for one another as well as for themselves. For example, spiders will sometimes get together to spin a giant web to help each other catch more food, emperor penguins will cuddle one another to stay warm, and rhesus monkeys will starve themselves if it means their fellow monkey friend is fed first.
Although we might consider many species to be selfish as we presume they only care about their own wellbeing, animals are actually very empathetic, social, and caring towards others, sometimes even more than some humans are to one another.
In one viral story, we are reminded of how beautiful the bond can be between two creatures, particularly between a three-year-old steer named Gizmo and a 33-year-old stallion named Sturgis. The best friends met at farm and non-profit animal sanctuary, Sweet Farm, in Half Moon Bay, California, shortly after Gizmo was rescued. Since then, the two have never wanted to leave one another’s side!
Right away, those working on the farm noticed the friendship between the stallion and steer. The farm posted the following on Facebook: “At Sweet Farm, Gizmo and Sturgis have become best friends. This pair of rescues, a 3-year-old steer, and a 33-year-old stallion are inseparable around the farm. Every day they remind us that friendship knows no shape, size or color.”
In fact, video footage proves just how much the two creatures love and care for one another. While Gizmo is very friendly and has made many friends on the farm, no friendship of his is stronger than the one he has with Sturgis!
In the footage, we witness Gizmo and Sturgis go everywhere together. They trot together, chase one another in a playful manner, go on peaceful strolls, and even clean each other’s coats. Gizmo even visits Sturgis at his stable and waits until he finishes his breakfast, so they can spend time together in the pasture. How sweet!
While the steer and stallion are not of the same species, and they may be 30 years apart, the farm friends are more than happy to be in each other’s company! We can learn from the two that age and appearance are just characteristics. What really matters when we are friends with someone is the bond we share with them and what we receive in return.
Gizmo and Sturgis’s friendship is “goals!” Watch them interact below. Aren’t they inspiring?
