Extraordinary Friendship Between Two Penguins Is Making Social Media ‘Emotional’

A story about how a penguin helped his friend who suffers from an eye condition shows the beauty of friendship in the world of birds. You are probably going to smile after reading this duo’s story.

At a bird park in Surrey, United Kingdom, a three-year-old penguin has adopted the role of “guide bird” for its companion who suffers from cataracts. These two, named – Penguin and Squid by the staff at Birdworld in Farnham, have been forming a “remarkable” bond since they were young adolescent chicks.

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It is said that Squid has cataracts, a crippling ailment that obscures the lens of the eye and reduces vision and that as a result; Squid is frequently confused and depends on Penguin to function. It is reported that the two African penguins astounded the staff at Birdworld, with Squid depending on Penguin’s “unwavering calmness.”

Penguin unintentionally became Squid’s guide and “eyes” by staying near the keepers and serving as a beacon for her around the enclosure. “The intuitive behaviour observed between Penguin and Squid has revealed a remarkable level of empathy and understanding, showcasing the profound connections that can form within the animal kingdom,” Polly Branham, Living Collections Manager at Birdworld said as quoted by The Daily Mail.

Penguin’s journey began during the pandemic when the bird faced an unknown illness that required hands-on care. According to staff, this difficult start has made Squid extremely timid and reliant on keepers. Miraculously, the bird overcomes these obstacles, growing stronger and eventually assimilating into the park’s population.

Staff members claim that even though Squid had cataracts at the age of six weeks, which was unusual for her otherwise healthy family, she had the usual lively and talkative characteristics of a penguin chick when she was hatched.

As explained by Polly Branham, “In the penguin community, where social bonds and mutual tolerance are crucial, Squid’s being partially sighted posed a manageable challenge, as long as she could engage in natural behaviours,” reports add.

Squid was raised in the colony and worked alongside her peers to hone her skills. Penguin, too, was embracing his newfound strength on the beach as she left the nest, learning what it meant to be a penguin. Their parallel journeys of discovery resulted in a strong bond, with Squid’s boldness perfectly complementing Penguin’s patience, making them an inseparable pair.

Birdworld is one of the largest bird parks in the UK, spanning 26 acres. The park is home to over 150 bird species, 40 percent of which are on the verge of extinction, as well as goats, rabbits, pigs, and sheep at Jenny Wren Farm.