Calico and Lynx Become Unlikely Friends in Russian Zoo

The oldest and second biggest zoo in Russia is home to an unlikely friendship between two animals.

Employees at the Leningrad Zoo in St. Petersburg noticed that a stray calico was sneaking into the zoo in search of food. The cat would eventually make her way into the enclosure for a European lynx. However, instead of the calico and wildcat fighting, the two became buddies.

According to the website Life With Cats, this happened in 2007. Yet to this date, the kinship is still strong. Such is evident in a video of the two animals posted to YouTube. Titled "The awesome friends in St. Petersburg Zoo," it was uploaded on June 7 and is approaching views. In the comments section of the video, viewers are arguing the merits of zoos in general and the behavior issues associated with lynxes.

Both animals appear to be quite comfortable and affectionate with each other throughout the one-minute, 10-second clip. Because the friendship between the calico and lynx was going so well, the zoo decided to adopt the stray cat.

The Leningrad Zoo was founded in 1865. About 2,000 animals from over 400 species live there. It also offers programs ranging from children's education on wildlife to adoption services.