There are no other people’s offspring in any species, according to an ancient proverb. It is common in nature for one species to look out for the interests of another.
We observed this two years ago in Bakhchisarai, Crimea.
A consignment of squirrels was sent to the municipal zoo in a little box by locals. Musya, a Russian blue cat, gave birth to a litter of kittens in the zoo’s park lately.
When Musya was introduced to the baby squirrels, they were astounded to see her treat them as if they were her own.
The cat shown remarkable patience while caring for both her babies and the new newcomers. She treated the squirrels as if they were her own children, feeding and cleaning them.
The squirrels have done an incredible job of adjusting to their new environment.
Musa was first offered milk from a bottle by his caregivers to guarantee his well-being.
While she was still alive, Musya cared for and reared several baby squirrels, nursing them until they were mature enough to leave her.