Heavy Petting [PICS]

Photo:
Image: Erika Quitnana

Yes, we know, spring is not yet in the air but there is something to be said for snuggling indoors on cold and dreary winter days. Get inspired by these awww-inspiring animal couples, which have caught the love bug, big time!

It is interesting to note that most animal species display some kind of affectionate behaviour toward each other - from the tiniest mouse to the biggest elephant. But without further ado, here are some stunning images that don't need much of an explanation.

Cats and Dogs

A hug, a kiss and a lick:
Photo:
Image: Pietro Jr

Wet cat kiss:
Photo:
Image: Pietro Jr

Two ginger curlies sharing an affectionate moment:
Photo:
Image: Kumon

Aww – Rottweiler puppies kissing:
Photo:
Image: Hernan Mojarro

Big Cats and Other Wild Animals

A kiss and a hug – two lions:
Photo:
Image: Erika Quitnana

Siberian tigers Tony and Tatiana sharing a tender moment at San Francisco Zoo:
Photo:
Image: chadh

Now this is what we call a bear hug:
Photo:
Image: Amanda

Elephant hug and kiss at San Diego Zoo:
Photo:
Image: Cyrus Bulsara

Macaque group hug in Bali:
Photo:
Image: Ivan Lanin

Giraffes

Getting an early start – two baby giraffes at Planckendael Zoo, Holland:
Photo:
Image: Jinterwas

Giraffe hug:
Photo:
Image: betulla

And a close-up of giraffe love:
Photo:
Image: Flavio Spugna

Cows, Horses and Sheep

Teenage cows kissing right in front of an outraged parent:
Photo:
Image: Audrey

Carriage horses in Vienna sneaking a kiss:
Photo:
Image: Simon

Ewe! Love!
Photo:
Image: John Haslam

Birds and Other Small Critters

Two lovebird couples:
Photo:
Image: joemess

These parrots need some privacy:
Photo:
Image: Peter Bekesi

Genuine couple or penguin politicians?
Photo:
Image: Kym Roberts-Jones

Aww – Vietnames pot-bellied piglets being friendly:
Photo:
Image: Stewart Butterfield

Two black-tailed prairie dogs going for it:
Photo:
Image: Mila Zinkova

Sorry, wrong number – love is blind:
Photo:
Image: GirlReporter

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