Brandy the dog and Kota the puma find unlikely friendship at Zambi Wildlife Retreat
BRANDY the dog arrived at Zambi about five months ago, severely underweight and suffering from an aggravated flea rash but he found an unusual friendship with another animal while in captivity.
NSW
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DOGS and cats may not get along but it seems a puma and a pup can be best mates.
“It’s what you call an unlikely friendship,” said Donna Wilson, Director of Zambi Wildlife Retreat.
Brandy the dog arrived at Zambi about five months ago, severely underweight and suffering from an aggravated flea rash. Ms Wilson suspects she escaped from a puppy mill.
The unusual friendship began when Brandy was seen hanging around Kota the puma’s area.
“They seemed to like each other so we let them in together under a supervised visit and it seemed they really hit it off and really enjoy each other’s company.
“She’s a captive puma and they’re known to be a solitary animal, so they’re quite happy to live on their own, so it seems quite odd that she was happy to share her area, or her space, with this dog as well.
“Kota puts up with our other dogs but I think she likes Brandy’s low energy. Kota finds calmness there and they seem to be quite happy to just lay around and have a hang out together.”
According to Ms Wilson, this sort of relationship is important for a captive puma like Kota.
“For captive animals, you give them enrichment. To stimulate them and make their day a bit different. So, they now have supervised visits together.”
Zambi Wildlife Retreat has a Beauty And The Beast charity ball on October 18.
FOR MORE DETAILS: zambiwildliferetreat.com.au