Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary in Folsom, California, is home to a variety of different animals. They have mountain lions, deer, kinkajous, and even a colony of feral cats. One cat, in particular, started showing up at the sanctuary 8 years ago, and instead of making itself at home with the other feral kitties, decided she preferred the black bear exhibit instead.
“Every morning, we scatter dog food for the bears, and [the cat] started coming in the exhibit and eating the dog food,” senior lead zookeeper Jill Faust told Inside Edition. “Once we realized she was coming in here on a regular basis, we started putting food out for her in the morning as well.”
Zoo visitors are often shocked to see Little Bear, as the cat has been named, roaming around the black bear enclosure. But zoo officials say Little Bear doesn’t just like hanging out in the exhibit— she comes to visit her best friend Sequoia!
Sequoia is an older, 550-pound black bear who suffers from arthritis. “He’s slowed down quite a bit,” Jill said. “I think that’s why the cat feels comfortable around him.”
Essentially Little Bear and Sequoia are both older animals who have a few common interests— mainly, they love the shade and each other’s company.
In a public statement (courtesy of ABC News), the zoo said, “Often when Sequoia takes a hike through the ‘bear forest’ his cat friend walks with him. She rubs against walls and visitors can hear her raspy purr from quite a distance.”
Lead zookeeper Jill Faust said, “Sequoia walks right be her, she’ll walk right by Sequoia. And they’ll stay, you know, pretty close to each other.”
The zoo posted a video in February 2015 where they explain, “Many visitors have pointed out over the years that there is a feral cat in the Black Bear exhibit with Tahoe and Sequoia. Little Bear […] stops daily to visit and then moves along his day.” In the video, you see her enjoying the sun while Sequoia munches on some fresh grass.
Little Bear and Sequoia seem like total opposites, but the aging animals have formed an 8-year bond that is unlikely to ever be broken. Despite their differences, they’ve learned to get along, and they are a reminder to never judge a book by its cover— cause you never know when you’ll have the chance to meet an amazing friend.
Watch their story below!
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