Two Zoo Elephant Brothers Cuddle While Sleeping

Today is National Hugging Day, and the sweetest hug comes from Australia, where two elephant brothers demonstrate why they are known as gentle giants. The two Sydney Zoo residents were caught on video sharing cuddles while sleeping, and people couldn’t help but be moved by the touching scene!

The adorable video, which was first shared on Facebook by the zoo’s officials, shows Ashoka, the younger brother, sleeping comfortably in the barn, while Kavi searches for the perfect spot to nap. And what better place to be than next to his adoring brother? Even though he is sleeping, Ashoka is aware of his brother’s presence and puts on a show of affection that melts everyone’s heart.

“Humans aren’t the only ones who embrace. “Elephants are a social species that thrives on relationships with one another,” explained Jo Maitland, the zoo’s elephant keeper. “Sleeping close to each other is a natural display of affection and a way elephants bond with one another.” Seeing animals share such a special bond is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a zookeeper.”
Kavi and Ashoka, both around 7 years old, joined Sydney Zoo a few years ago as part of a breeding program to help save the endangered Asian Elephant species. There are less than 50,000 individuals left in the wild, and their numbers are decreasing year after year.

Below is the video where you can see elephant brothers arriving to Sydney Zoo!