An unlikely friendship at a Georgia theme park is quietly melting hearts.
Meet Kurtsie, a zebra and Bakari, a giraffe — they make up an adorable, inseparable duo who formed a bond shortly after Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, Ga., opened its expansive Giraffe Overlook habitat, where multiple species can interact much like they do in the wild.
Park officials noticed from the very beginning, Bakari showed a gentle curiosity toward the zebra herd.
And somewhere along the way, he and Kurtsie found each other.
What began as a simple connection quickly grew into a heartwarming friendship that now has them spending nearly all their time side by side.
They lounge together, nudge each other for attention, share snacks and even groom each other.
“The animal care team says the friendship has had a positive impact on both animals,” a staff member told The Post.
“Kurtsie has grown more relaxed and confident, often taking cues from Bakari’s calm demeanor around caretakers, while Bakari has become even more social and playful with his constant companion nearby.”
Kurtsie even tags along during giraffe feedings, content to simply watch her best friend in action, while occasionally weaving between Bakari’s long legs or playfully nudging him for attention.
Wild Adventures Theme Park is a major regional attraction just north of the border with Florida that, along with its Splash Island Waterpark and animal exhibits, is often cited as a top attraction in the state, bringing in tens of thousands of visitors a year.
The park — which celebrated its 30th anniversary on March 14 — features more than 40 rides, slides and loads of fun across 170 acres.
Not to mention the hundreds of exotic animals — and maybe even a few new buddies.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
