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 Friendships Are Unlikely, but Extremely Cute!
The following photos are proof that animals can form unexpected, but awesome friendships!
Watch a Tiny Kitten Begin a Friendship with a Mourning Dog
A tiny orphaned kitten was taken into a cat sanctuary for a second chance at life. That’s where she met a dog and struck up a cute friendship. Take a look.
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!
This Cat Travels Across America on the Back of a Dog
Henry and Baloo are both rescues who have adopted each other as family and are inseparable
19 Stories Proving Once Again Grandparents Are Awesome
The presence of loving grandparents in one's life is certainly one of life’s most precious gifts, and these heartwarming photos prove it!
14 Photos Proving Humor Makes a Relationship Stronger
Relationships are not always simple, but laughing together make is priceless. Take a look at these hilarious and adorable relationship moments.
From Across the Decades, These Photos are Fascinating!
Join us as we take you through the ages and see some really incredible sights!
The Fascinating Ways Our Fruits and Veggies Are Grown...
Here are some of the amazing the ways that fruits and veggies grow that may be new to you!
These Photos Prove How Strange of a Country South Korea Is
The following images illustrate how strange of a place Korea is.
A Few Beautiful Thoughts About True Friendship...
We should never forget the gift that is true friendship...
Full Documentary: Genghis Khan's Legendary Mongol Empire
Learn all about his incredible conquests of the legendary Genghis Khan this cinematic full-length documentary.
These 3 Breakthroughs Are Making Historians Jump for Joy!
Learn about some of the most fascinating findings that archaeologists and historians have recently uncovered. Get ready to be amazed!
The Dark and Fascinating History of the Romanov Family
For more than three hundred years, the Romanov family had absolute power over Russia, this is their fascinating story.
Learning to Trust Again - Rehabilitating an Abused Dog
Ralph the abandoned dog learns to trust again...
When Animals Go Rogue: True Tales of Man-Eating Animals
Throughout history, many animals have turned into deadly man-eaters. Here’s a list of the most intense books on the subject.
15 People Who Have the STRANGEST Hobbies
Some people's hobbies, as it turns out, are stranger than others. Here are 15 bizarre yet cool hobbies keeping people busy
You Will Love This Collection of Rare Historical Photos
This amazing collection of vintage photographs will give you a unique glimpse of the past.
These 10 Children Already Made Outstanding Achievements
Some people achieve great things at a shockingly young age. Check out this list of records broken by children to get inspired.
How Many of These Extraordinary History Facts Do You Know?
We bet that you didn't learn these history facts at school.
Find Out How to Live Happier & Healthier With These Hacks
Discover how small hacks can help you change your life for the better. Here are 15 of them.
These 6 Mysterious Objects Can't Be Explained by Anyone
Archaeology is a very rewarding discipline, but there are some mysteries that never get solved. Take these 6 ancient objects. What they are is anyone's guess!
Nostalgia: The Unforgettable Commercials of the 60s & 70s!
These classic television commercials from the 60s and 70s are a must watch!
11 Relatively Unknown Peculiar Jobs That No Longer Exist
Here is a collection of lesser-known jobs that are now obsolete. Some of them may sound unusual or even funny; even though they are real.
Untamed Spirits: Tales of Legendary Mountain Men!
Not many know about these iconic men of the mountains.
Wish Someone a Lovely Day With This Great Song...
This uplifting song is going to make anyone's day, guaranteed!
Why You Might Want to Consider Switching to a Futon Bed
In this article, we will learn what a real futon bed is and if it is better for spine health than a western bed.
Watch a Thai Chiropractor Fixing a Spine With a Hammer!
Thailand is a country that's known for specializing in many different kinds of massages, but would you dare be massaged by a man wielding a hammer?
13 of Napoleon Bonaparte's Most Famous Quotes
In this post, you'll find 13 of the French Emperor's most famous quotes, as well as more biographical information about the famous conqueror as you scroll down.
10 of the Fiercest Ancient Celtic Gods and Goddesses
Here we look at the most influential ancient gods and goddesses from the ancient Celtic pantheon.
You'll Never Guess How These Optical Illusions Work
Here are three incredible optical illusion videos that have taken the internet by storm. Can you solve the mysteries that you're about to see?
The Most Notorious Man-Eating Lions in History
Do you know the strange history of the man-eating lions of Tsavo?
A Nostalgic Look Back at Prices in the Past (14 Pics)
Travel back to the time when things cost just a few cents.
This Soulful Cello Performance Will Give You Goosebumps
Sit back and enjoy this amazing cello performance
Did You Know these 10 Facts about Alexander the Great?
His father conquered and unified Greece, but he wanted to conquer the world. Alexander the Great was a truly fascinating man.
Good News Alert! 11 Positive Things You Need to Know About
If you look for good news, you’ll always find it. Here are some wonderful things happening around us right now.
What Would YOU Do In This Situation?
What would you do if you saw the experiment in this video?
This Magical Shadow Dance Show Will Leave You in Tears
The most beautiful shadow dance performance.
You’ll Love Learning New Things With These Awesome Charts
It's time for a brand new collection of fascinating charts and guides.
9 Different Types of Oranges You Never Knew About
How many of these unique orange varieties have you tried?
These 14 Photos Are All Remarkable For Different Reasons
There are some photos we come across that just compel us to take a second look, and these 14 are no exception. Take a look!
How to Detect a Liar, Explained by a Former FBI agent
Former FBI agent explains about deception detection methods, and debunks common myths.
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.
20 Mind-Boggling Food Facts to Nourish the Mind
Here are 20 mind-boggling factoids about the foods we eat every day.
Experience the Battle of Waterloo in Virtual Reality
Experience the Battle of Waterloo in first-person in this crisp 4K video. We've never experienced anything quite like it!
After Reading This, You'll Want to Move to Finland!
This article takes a look at how the Finnish government makes ordinary life extremely comfortable for its citizens.
7 Downsides to Being Highly Intelligent
Everyone thinks that being blessed with a very high IQ can only be positive, but there are also downsides. Here are 7 downsides to being highly intelligent.
Unseen & Rare Photos from History You Will Love
We bet you haven’t seen these amazing historical photos before.