Humans aren’t the only ones who enjoy companionship, some animals also keep “pets” of their own. From ants raising aphids to help them produce food, to certain fish and primates protecting smaller species for mutual benefit, nature is full of surprising partnerships.
These relationships blur the line between instinct and affection, showing that the urge to nurture and protect might not be uniquely human after all.
This article is for general informational purposes only. Observations are based on scientific research and documented animal behaviour.
1. Ants
Certain ant species, like yellow meadow ants and black garden ants, are known to farm aphids, keeping them safe in their colonies. In exchange, the aphids secrete a sweet substance called honeydew that the ants love to consume.
The ants even carry their aphid pets to new plants when moving nests. They protect aphids from predators and provide shelter, treating them almost like livestock. This ancient partnership shows that pet-keeping behavior existed long before humans came along, making ants the original keepers of other creatures.
2. Damselfish With Shrimp Assistants
Some species of damselfish maintain algae gardens on coral reefs, carefully tending their underwater farms. They tolerate small shrimp or crabs within their territories that help remove debris or predators.
This cooperative relationship resembles a pet-keeping arrangement where both parties benefit. The damselfish get cleaner gardens, while the shrimp enjoy protection from larger predators. It’s fascinating how these fish seem to understand the value of keeping helpful companions around, creating their own version of a symbiotic household beneath the waves.
3. Bonobos And Capuchin Monkeys
Wild bonobos and capuchin monkeys have been seen adopting smaller primates or birds in remarkable displays of compassion. They carry, groom, and protect these animals without eating or harming them.
This behavior resembles companionship more than predation, suggesting emotional bonds similar to what humans experience. Researchers have documented multiple instances where these intelligent primates treated their adopted friends with genuine care. Their empathy and nurturing instincts reveal that the desire for companionship might be more widespread in nature than we previously imagined.
4. Spotted Hyenas
Spotted hyenas often move alongside oxpeckers or similar birds that feed on parasites from their fur. While the bond isn’t emotional like a traditional pet relationship, the consistent partnership is mutually beneficial.
The birds get an easy meal of ticks and insects, while the hyenas enjoy free grooming services. It’s a wild version of keeping a pet for practical duties rather than affection. The hyenas tolerate the birds landing on them repeatedly, showing a level of acceptance that demonstrates understanding of their helpful role.
5. Crocodiles
Some Nile crocodiles and related species allow Egyptian plovers to clean between their teeth in one of nature’s strangest partnerships. The birds gain an easy meal of leftover meat and parasites, while the crocodiles benefit from dental hygiene.
What’s remarkable is that the crocodiles seem to understand the value of their tiny helpers. They wait patiently with mouths open, never snapping shut on their feathered cleaners. This level of restraint and cooperation suggests a deeper understanding than simple instinct.
6. Goby Fish
Goby fish share burrows with shrimp in one of the ocean’s most endearing partnerships. The shrimp maintains the sandy home, constantly digging and cleaning, while the goby stands guard outside.
Through constant touch-communication, the goby warns its shrimp companion of approaching danger. The shrimp keeps one antenna on the goby at all times, ready to retreat into the burrow at the slightest signal. This relationship is built on trust and teamwork, showing that even creatures with tiny brains can form complex social bonds.
7. Hermit Crabs
Some hermit crab species keep sea anemones on their shells, offering them protection and food scraps as they travel. In return, the anemones provide camouflage and defense with their stinging tentacles that deter predators.
Hermit crabs even transfer their anemone pets to new shells when moving homes. They carefully remove each anemone and place it on the new shell, showing remarkable care for their companions. This deliberate action suggests the crabs truly value their relationship with these colorful defenders.
8. Groupers
Groupers have been observed recruiting moray eels to help them hunt in displays of surprising intelligence. The grouper signals the eel with specific body movements, and the eel flushes prey out of hiding places the grouper cannot reach.
This kind of planned partnership demonstrates cognitive understanding rare in fish. The grouper actively seeks out the same eel partner repeatedly, suggesting they remember and prefer working with specific individuals. It’s a friendship built on mutual benefit and strategic cooperation beneath the waves.
