It might be a dog eat dog world but, as these stunning photographs prove, best friends come in all shapes and sizes.
The heartwarming images, taken by a host of photographers from all around the world, show the fluffy, feathered and furry animals finding allies in each other – despite how different they may be.
The bizarre buddies include a Masai giraffe who appears to have found friends in two tiny birds and a welcoming warthog happy to give his comrade, a crow, a piggyback ride.
A Northern sea otter is also pictured relaxing in the water with a Common Goldeneye Drake, while a Persian cat is seen cuddling up on the sofa with a rat.
Elsewhere, a Tasmanian Devil nuzzles its companion, a kangaroo, in Tasmania, Australia, while a Red Deer proves particularly popular with a group of jackdaws.
A Green Sea Turtle also appears to be getting on swimmingly with three Remora fish during a dip in the Red Sea, while a Jack Russell finds a firm friend in a fox cub during a walk in Bedfordshire, England.
Best friends: These heartwarming images, taken by photographers from all over the world, show a number of animals making friends with their unlikely counterparts in the wild, including this fluffy barn owl and fox cub who appear to be getting along together just fine
Relaxing: This Northern sea otter and Common Goldeneye Drake duck were spotted chilling out together in the cool waters
Unlikely friends: A black Caiman crocodile, which measures up to 16ft in length, doesn’t appear to mind butterflies sitting on his head
Perfect pals: A Bernese Mountain dog cuddles up to a tabby kitten (left) while a Masai giraffe appears to have befriended two birds
Ignore us: This Red Deer doesn’t appear to mind the jackdaws resting on his body and antlers as he stands in Richmond Park, London
Adorable: This cute baby rabbit and two fluffy ducklings don’t seem to think three is a crowd as they relax together on a pile of wood
Need a ride? This welcoming warthog seemed happy to give his comrade, a crow, a piggyback ride in the Republic of Botswana
Just keep swimming: A Green Sea Turtle glides through the water with three Remora fish – suckerfish – below him in the Red Sea
Fancy seeing you here: In one of the more remarkable photos, a giant rat chills out on the belly of a fluffy Persian Blue Colourpoint cat
Greetings! A Tasmanian Devil and Forester Kangaroo welcome each other in woodland in the depths of Tasmania, Australia
Drying off: An Antarctic Fur Seal relaxes on the shore with two Gentoo Penguins in South Georgia, Antarctic
Keeping watch: This Buffalo doesn’t seem to mind the Oxpecker resting on his head as he stands guard on the Savannah Plains in Africa
Walkies: A Jack Russell Terrier appeared to make friends with a Red Fox cub during a walk in Buckinghamshire, England
Opposites attract: Despite their differences, this Cattle Egret – a species of Heron – appears to be fond of this Merino sheep in Portugal