It’s often the case that when an animal is shown kindness by a human being, it remembers the act and feels gratitude for it throughout its entire life. This is definitely true about a Magellanic penguin nicknamed Jinjing. He swims 5,000 miles each year to visit 71-year-old Joao Pereira de Souza, a fisherman from an island village just outside Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Mr. Pereira de Souza had rescued Jinjing after he discovered him lying on a local beach drenched in oil and very close to death. He cleaned him up and nursed him back to health by feeding him a diet of fish to build his strength back up.
The unlikely duo first encountered each other back in 2011, and Jinjing stayed with Mr. Pereira de Souza for almost an entire year. Just after his new coat of feathers came through, however, he disappeared.
He wasn’t gone forever though – in fact, he showed up on the beach again, just a few months later, and followed the fisherman home. He now spends eight months of each year with him and has done so ever since he was rescued five years ago.
“I love the penguin like it’s my own child and I believe the penguin loves me,” Mr. Pereira de Souza told Globo TV. “No-one else is allowed to touch him. He pecks them if they do. He lies in my lap, lets me give him showers, allows me to feed him sardines and pick him up.”
“Everyone said he wouldn’t return, but he has been coming back to visit me for the past five years. He arrives in June and leaves to go home in February. Every year he becomes more affectionate as he appears even happier to see me,” he added.
Biologists believe that Jinjing thinks Mr. Pereira de Souza is also a penguin, and that he forms part of his family. Jinjing wags his tail and honks with delight whenever he sees the man that saved his life. It just goes to show that the most unlikely of friendships can flourish in this world.
Content Source: Metro.co.uk
Video and Image Copyright: The Wall Street Journal
These Comic Strips Will Give You Warm Fuzzy Feelings
In each comic strip, Buddy Gator finds a new way to make his friends smile and feel welcome.
12 Heartwarming Moments of Love and Closeness
These sweet photos remind us to always cherish the ones we love, and to remind those special people (or pets) how much they mean to us from time to time.
Cows are the Cutest, But This One is Something Special
He acts just like one of the family dogs! And the best part? They're all best buddies!
23 Famous Figures Photographed With Their Beloved Cats
Seeing these 23 famous figures of the 19th and 20th centuries photographed with their spoiled and beloved cats is so heartwarming!
Why Dogs Will Always be a Man's Best Friend!
If you needed more proof as to why dogs will and always will be man's best friend, you need look no further.
WATCH: When All Else Has Gone, Love Remains 'til the End
This beautiful story will inspire you to love with an open heart and show you that it's always the last emotion to be extinguished.
12 Typical American Things That Didn’t Originate in the US
Many things we often think are typically American, such as cowboys, comic strips and mac & cheese, have actually started far away from the USA
20th Century: The MOST Popular Breakfast of Every Decade
Breakfast shape-shifted quite a bit during the 20th century. Discover the most popular breakfast delicacy of every decade in this article
These Latin Phrases Will Make You Think About Life
Take note of these beautiful and wise Latin phrases and understand their deep meanings.
8 Weird and Wacky Failed Inventions from the Past
Here is a look at some weird and wacky inventions from the past that never quite took off despite their innovativeness.
See How the Egyptians Actually Built the Pyramids
While we marvel at the great pyramids, we know little about how they were actually constructed. This video sheds some light into that.
Looking Back at the CRAZIEST World Records of 2022
2022’s Guinness World Records will make you wonder if they are for real.
A Fascinating History of the New Year’s Eve
Did you know that New Year's hasn’t always been celebrated on January 1?
These Maps Are Guaranteed to Teach You About the USA
The USA becomes all the more fascinating when you collate a ton of different maps containing insightful demographic data. Take a look at this map compilation.
You Won't Believe What This Man Builds Single Handedly
Watch as this man single handed builds a beautiful underground house, complete with pool.
This May Be the Most Amazing Watch Ever Created...
Luxury watch makers Van Cleef & Arpels have created this dazzling creation, showing the planets and our sun while a small comet moves along a track to tell us the time.
12 Juicy Facts You Probably Don't Know About Grapes
Did you know grapes are actually berries? Find out more juicy facts about grapes in this article.
These Photos Clearly Indicate You're Never Too Old to Love
You're never too old to love or show love, and these pictures are a clear indication of that. Here are 15 photos that show you never have to stop having fun.
20th Century Slang People Rarely Use Nowadays
Did you know that these 20th-century slang words and phrases are considered outdated?
Take a 4K, Vivid Walk Through the Streets of 1911 New York
Watching this 110 year old restored video if New York actually feels like a glimpse to a time long gone.
These Optical Illusions Made Me Question Everything I See!
These optical illusions really give credence to the notion that the human eye is far from infallible. Here are 20 mind-bending optical illusions for you to try.
18 Films That Remind Us How Brutal Winter Can Be
Winter isn’t as cozy as you might think. These cold-weather survival movies will make you long for summer days.
Got a Problem? Maybe These Funny Fixes Will Inspire You!
The fixes for these problems are going to bring a huge grin to your face!
These Famous Characters Are Based On Real People!
Did you know that certain characters draw heavily on real-life people? Here are 10 iconic characters that were based on people that really existed.
11 of the Most Insanely Useful Websites on the Web
Believe it or not, there are tons of sites that offer useful free stuff. Here’s a look at a few of them.
Be Prepared! These Facts About the World Are Pretty Scary
These facts are incredibly fascinating... but they've got an element of spookiness to them too!
8 Historical Coincidences That are Too Bizarre to Be Fake
Throughout history, there were many events that could only occur due to incredible coincidences. Here are 8 of history weirdest coincidences, these stories sound stranger than fiction.
Say Cheers & Raise Your Drinks to These 15 Terrific Toasts
I have been known to offer a few toasts myself when the occasion has grabbed me, but these are 15 of the very best toasts I have ever heard.
Icy Photos Prove That Winter Is Not for the Faint-Hearted
Here are 14 things that only occur in the winter. Check them out!
14 Nostalgic Pics to Take You Back to the Good Ol’ Days
These photos will instantly trigger your nostalgia.
7 Ancient Buildings That Have Survived the Test of Time
Here is a look at some wonderful ancient structures that have survived the test of time.
These Facts Sound Made Up, But Are Totally Real!
These weird facts may sound completely fake, but we can prove that they’re actually real.
The Mysterious City of Caesars and 4 Other Mythical Places
These fascinating, but lesser-known mythical cities have captivated the imaginations of people for centuries, learn about them yourself
7 Notable Han Dynasty Inventions That Changed the World
Here, we look at some of the great inventions from the Han dynasty of China that had a great impact on the world.
Watch: An Emotional Interview With a Dunkirk Veteran
At the premiere of the hit movie, Dunkirk, at Calgary’s Westhills Cinemas, theatergoers ended up having a surprise encounter with a 97-year-old veteran.
1950s Debunked: Correcting Misconceptions About the Era
The 1950s may not have been as idyllic as we have been made to believe.
Have You Been Believing These Christmas Myths Too?
Read on for several myths about Christmas stories and traditions.
The Significance of Each Christmas Tree Decoration
We all tend to put up Christmas decorations and go through all the rituals every year, but do we know what the symbolism behind them is? Find out here.
7 Historical Facts That Aren't Actually True
Here are seven well-known history facts we should have never believed.
Travel History With These Amazing Photos of Yesteryear
Amazing photos reveal 150 years of history.
Fascinating Facts About The Middle Ages You Never Knew
If you thought you had read everything about the Middle Ages in school, you are mistaken. Read these interesting facts from that era.
How to Detect a Liar, Explained by a Former FBI agent
Former FBI agent explains about deception detection methods, and debunks common myths.
The Apollo Program: A History of Manned Space Missions
Only 12 men have ever stepped foot on the moon. Find out more about their successful moon landings here!
The Eerie, Spiritual, and Sometimes Fun History of Masks
Let’s get to know some of the most famous masks in history and the civilizations that created them.
The World Needs to Listen to This Song Now More Than Ever
Watch legendary singer Louis Armstrong perform his hauntingly beautiful and iconic song ‘What A Wonderful World’, live during this concert.
I Wish They Taught Me These Math Tips at School
Bad at math? Learn how to use these quick and easy methods.
The Truth About June. Touching and Wonderful.
A beautiful story about a mother's love, which I warmly recommend.