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

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

Curious Collection of Wild Companions: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Inseparable Species (Curious Collection of Creatures) by Sami Bayly

Sydney & Taylor and the Great Friend Expedition (Sydney & Taylor) by Jacqueline Davies

Lot to Like! (Croc and Ally) by Derek Anderson

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

Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends (Ready to Read Graphics: Level One) by Kaz Windness

The Evil Eel (Crab & Snail #3) by Beth Ferry