A little cub called Ruuxa is now recovering from a growth abnormality surgery and his buddy, a Rhodesian ridgeback puppy named Raina is usually nearby, showing signs of concern for his pal.
There are some very unlikely friendships in the animal world. One of which is the bond between a puppy and cheetah in San Diego.
A little cub called Ruuxa is now recovering from a growth abnormality surgery and his buddy, a Rhodesian ridgeback puppy named Raina is usually nearby, showing signs of concern for his pal.
On Wednesday, Raina licked and nuzzled Ruuxa in an effort to wake him up after the operation. Fortunately, the cub is expected to make a full recovery.
Veterinarians recently diagnosed Ruuxa with a growth abnormality in his forelegs, which can cause pain and trouble with walking later in life if uncorrected. On the day surgery was scheduled, Raina accompanied him to the hospital and waited there until the procedure was complete.
The worried pup sat next to her friend until he came out of sedation. Susie Ekard, who is the animal training manager at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park stated “Raina appeared very concerned about Ruuxa when she saw he was sleeping and she couldn’t wake him. She licked him and nuzzled him, and when he awoke, she lay with him and seemed very content to know her cheetah was okay.”
The pair has been together since they were four and five weeks of age. They’re both part of the park’s Animal Ambassador program.
