At first, when a dachshund decided she wanted to meet the newest animal at a wildlife preserve, the team wasn’t sure what to think. But they put her on a leash and took her into the lion’s enclosure. The two animals got very close to one another, seeming to size each other up. And then the lion sniffed the dog.

The dog, named Abbey, was not afraid at all. In fact, it seemed like she was having a great time getting to know the lion. So they socialized for a while as the staffed looked on in amazement. It certainly wasn’t a friendship they were expecting.

Watch the video to learn more about these fast friends.

The lion was very tame and friendly toward the dog.