The gorilla and the rabbit: a tale of friendship at the Erie Zoo - story w/pic
PUBLISHED: MARCH 9, 2012 12:01 AM EST
UPDATED: MARCH 9, 2012 12:04 AM EST
The gorilla and the rabbit: a tale of friendship at the Erie Zoo
BY ERICA ERWIN, Erie Times-News
They're an odd pair.
The female half is quiet and aloof, imposing even as she approaches a half-century of life.
The other is just a boy still, tiny with a twitchy nose and a propensity to hop around like young boys do.
Samantha and Panda.
The gorilla and the Dutch rabbit.
Erie Zoo officials introduced the two in mid-February after deciding that Samantha, a 47-year-old western lowland gorilla, ought to have a companion.
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http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120309/NEWS02/303089873
I think I'm (twitch) in the wrong enclosure (thump): The Erie (Pa.) Zoo is pairing Samantha, a lonely but gentle lowland gorilla, with Panda the bunny to cheer up the elderly ape. So far it seems to be working out.
Photo: Greg Wohlford / Associated Press
pic from sfgate.com
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Such a heartwarming story, thank you.
Scott Mitchell, the zoo's chief executive, recalled a time shortly after the two were introduced when Panda hopped up to Samantha's beloved Baby, a stuffed toy gorilla. Know this: No one messes with Baby.
Samantha "pushed the baby out of the way so Panda could go by," Mitchell said.
Another time, she scratched underneath Panda's chin. She shares her food. She reaches down to touch Panda, gently.
So sweet
