Animal altruism: Friendship in the animal world

Published 2022-07-03
Can different species of animals become friends? Correspondent Lesley Stahl visits Funny Farm Rescue, a not-for-profit New Jersey sanctuary for retired, abused or neglected animals, where interspecies bonds are formed. She also talks with author Jennifer Holland, whose books explore stories about unexpected animal affection and predators who become pals.

"CBS Sunday Morning" features stories on the arts, music, nature, entertainment, sports, history, science and Americana, and highlights unique human accomplishments and achievements. Check local listings for CBS Sunday Morning broadcast times.

Subscribe to the "CBS Sunday Morning" YouTube channel: bit.ly/20gXwJT
Get more of "CBS Sunday Morning": cbsn.ws/1PlMmAz
Follow "CBS Sunday Morning" on Instagram: bit.ly/23XunIh
Like "CBS Sunday Morning" on Facebook: bit.ly/3sRgLPG
Follow "CBS Sunday Morning" on Twitter: bit.ly/1RquoQb
Subscribe to our newsletter: cbsn.ws/1RqHw7T
Download the CBS News app: cbsn.ws/1Xb1WC8
Try Paramount+ free: bit.ly/2OiW1kZ

For video licensing inquiries, contact: [email protected]

All Comments (21)
  • @KailReeves
    My dad works on this farm closely with Laurie.
    So, when people ask where/how my dad is.
    I'm suddenly in an awkward position,
    I tell them that he's living his best life on a farm out of state.
  • There needs to be more sanctuaries like this in this world!!! Blessings to her and her rescued family!!!
  • @TuckerSP2011
    My cat absolutely loved my two dogs and was devastated when they died one after the other. Interspecies friendships are real.
  • @citizen3902
    The LOVE at the Funny Farm is palatable! If only humans would allow themselves to feel less defensive and more loving, what a world this would be!
  • @CountryBird
    Laurie Zaleski serves as a role model for what compassion and harmony can produce - Inner peace.
  • @annsmith7207
    Laurie Zelensky and her Funny Farm are a fabulous example of animal rescue at its best. Thank you so much for the work you do !
  • @mjohn9199
    Anybody that has been around animals, knew they grieve when they lose a companion.
  • That's why I hang out at the dog parks. Animals are so unconditionally happy.
  • They don't have ego.... they love with their hearts... it's pretty simple.
  • My daughter in law took me here a while back with my grandson. The Funny Farm is a wonderful place.
  • @scottreal7787
    All I know is a pet, next to a spouse, is a necessity. Unfortunately I've never been blessed with a spouse but have had many pets. My cat Tobie is 7. I was in a automobile accident in 2019. That little cat sat next to me the whole time I was healing.
  • Very positive segment. A quote from the video and valuable message for humanity.

    "I think you see this in captivity so often because these animals (apex predators) are taken care of. They're not competing for food. They're not stressed. So, they have this luxury of being able to be social with other animals."
  • @mcm8737
    And that's why , I like animals more than people.
  • @lynnyhen
    This story is why I've been watching Sunday Morning for over 40 years!
  • @andyroo9381
    All animals are like humans in a different form. They have the same wants, needs and emotions are any human being on earth.
  • I want more positive stories like this from the MSM!! I can barely read or watch the news anymore because we are constantly bombarded with the bad stuff that underscores our differences. John Krasinski once had a channel called GOOD NEWS! that I loved--bring more of this our way!
  • If my husband would let me, I'd turn our 4+ acres of property into a sanctuary but I don't have that luxury at the moment. I pray that will change one day. Until then, I'll enjoy our chickens and cats to the fullest. Thank you for sharing this story. It's an inspration.