In Brazil, keeping wild animals as pets is prohibited. However, a penguin named Dindim has been visiting his friend for years, with whom he has established an unusual relationship – it all began on the Brazilian coast in 2011.
Joan Pereira de Souza, a 71 – year-old retired bricklayer and occasional fisherman, found the Magellanic penguin in a dramatic state-covered in pus and emaciated. He took care of him and to his surprise found that the animal refused to leave him. When it finally went away, Joan couldn’t believe it when Dindim came back and started visiting him every year.
“I love him like a son and he loves me back,” Joao said. “He doesn’t let others touch him – he pushes them away. But he lets me feed him sardines, bathe him and hold him in my arms.“
“Everyone was convinced he wouldn’t come back, but he’s been coming back to me regularly for four years.“
Joan saw Dindim for the first time in 2011. – the Penguin is in poor condition, covered in pus.
“But every year since then he has travelled 8,000 km to see me again,” says Joan.
“Dindim is like a child to me. And when he sees me, he waves his tail like a dog.“
“He can’t stand the touch of strangers – if anyone tries, he immediately reacts and defends himself.”
“This is an unusual phenomenon.” – said biologist Professor Krajewski. “I think Joan has become a family for Dindim. Maybe he’s even a little penguin himself.“
This is a beautiful story about the friendship between a man and a wild animal. Share it with your loved ones.
