In Brazil, keeping wild animals as pets is prohibited. Despite this, a penguin named Dindim has been visiting his friend, with whom he has formed an unusual bond, for years — it all began on the Brazilian coast in 2011.
Joan Pereira de Sauza, a 71-year-old retired bricklayer and occasional fisherman, found a Magellanic penguin in a dramatic condition — covered in oil and emaciated. He took care of it and, to his surprise, discovered that the animal did not want to leave. When it finally swam away, Joan couldn’t believe it when Dindim returned and began visiting him every year.
“I love him like a son, and he reciprocates the feeling,” says Joao. “He doesn’t let others touch him — he chases them away. But he lets me feed him sardines, bathe him, and hold him in my arms.”
“Everyone was convinced that he wouldn’t come back, but he has been returning to me regularly for four years.”
Joan first saw Dindim in 2011 — the penguin was in terrible condition, covered in oil.
“He stayed with me for almost a year, and then he swam away… But since then, he has traveled 8,000 kilometers every year to see me again.”
“Dindim is like a child to me. And when he sees me, he wags his tail like a dog.”
“He doesn’t tolerate being touched by strangers — if someone tries, he reacts immediately and defends himself.”
“It’s an extraordinary phenomenon,” comments biologist Professor Krajewski. “I think Joan has become family to Dindim. Maybe he’s even a bit of a penguin himself.”
It’s a beautiful story of friendship between a human and a wild animal. Share it with your loved ones.
