An unlikely friendship has developed at Wichita Zoo in Kansas, USA.
A young rescue dog has become the "mentor" of an orphaned wolf pup.
A friendship born from tragedy
The zoo was searching for a companion to help guide Amora, a young maned wolf who had recently lost her mother. The perfect candidate was found in Slinky, a dog rescued by the Kansas Humane Society.
After a quarantine period to prevent the spread of potential diseases, Slinky was introduced to Amora.
The two animals quickly became best friends. In a statement, the zoo explained that Slinky plays "an important role, as Amora could become too dependent on the humans around her."
Hope for the future
"Maned wolves are naturally solitary, but young wolves need company to develop properly," the zoo said. "Without a mother or siblings, it is difficult for her to learn the natural behaviours she will need to thrive as a maned wolf."
The zoo has already announced that Slinky's role will come to an end when Amora is old enough to live with her own kind. In the meantime, Slinky has found a permanent home, having been adopted by a member of the zoo staff.
