A Turtle Kept Annoying This Pig — Then Everything Changed

Quick Take

• Turtles are largely solitary animals, which makes it puzzling that one in this video keeps chasing a pig around. See the unlikely duo →
• The friendship started completely one-sided, and what finally changed it is not what you'd expect. How the bond developed →
• Pigs have a cognitive trait that most people would never attribute to a farm animal, and this trait is precisely what made such a bond possible. Pig social traits explained →
• Nature would never allow these two animals to meet this way, though one specific condition changes everything. What makes this possible →

When kept as pets, animals you would never expect to get along can end up becoming best friends.
Cats and dogs are a common example of this, but have you ever considered a turtle and a pig? While these two animals are not often kept as pets together, this Facebook post by Cuddle Buddies shows these two animals cuddling and getting along. This rare friendship surprised viewers with how strange yet adorable the two are together. Read on to learn more.

Can Pigs and Turtles Be Friends?

The video above is easily one of the cutest things ever. The post shows an unlikely friendship between a pig and a turtle. At first, the friendship seemed one-sided as the turtle kept following and annoying the pig. However, over time, the pig’s resolve melted away, and the two got closer. The adorable video left many viewers swooning over how adorable the strange pair is. At the same time, some were curious about how common this pairing is. Simply put, it’s not common at all. Both animals do form social bonds, but not in the same way dogs do. While turtles are mostly solitary animals, they are still able to recognize familiar faces and be comfortable around those they trust. When they show preference for another pet or human, it is because they associate them with safety and comfort.

Pigs, on the other hand, are normally very social. Pigs live naturally in families and often seek out companionship with one another. They are also extremely vocal and communicate with each other. In addition, they are incredibly intelligent and are widely regarded as among the most intelligent animals in the world. For example, they are amazing at remembering locations, faces, and forming long-term bonds with others. Because of this, just like in the video above, the two animals are able to form a bond with each other. This is not common in nature, however, as the two animals do not often interact with one another. Because they were raised together in a safe environment where their needs are met, the animals face little competition for food or safety. This creates the perfect environment for them to get along and form this unusual friendship.