Animals are capable of thinking and feeling emotions, just like human beings. In fact, how they form relationships and feel empathy is very similar to us. They grieve the loss of their family and they even panic when they are lost far away from home. When humans come forward to offer help, animals appreciate it more than we realize.

Bright Side has put together a collection of photos showing different ways animals rely on humans for support and how they thank them.

1. A ranger soothing a young gorilla after it lost its mother

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7. “She fell asleep in the palm of my hand.”

8. A baby walrus who got separated from his group hugged his trainer once he was rescued.

9. “Brought her home today from the local animal shelter. She’s 12. They said no one wanted her. I do.”

10. “Fed 2 ducks yesterday on the porch and woke up to this today…”

11. This dog thanks its rescuer after being saved from drowning in a lake.

12. Cops found this fluffy rabbit who was lost and wandering around the streets. They rescued it and moved it to a farm.

14. “This is Aretha, a rescue cow. She groomed my legs with her tongue and then fell asleep. She’s a good girl.”

15. “She’s afraid of men, so my husband put a blanket down for her. She laid by him and used his head for a pillow.”

16. “Poor little guy couldn’t make it past the waves and the seagulls were circling. So I called the sea turtle rescue.”

17. “After nursing Hercules for 4 weeks, I released him outside, and he has been coming back to visit every day!”

18. This owl was taken in by rescuers after being hit by a car. He’s on his way to a speedy recovery!

19. “My friend read a report about a stranded dog on Mt. Bross in Colorado and proceeded to climb the mountain and rescue said dog.”

20. “Found him trapped inside a chicken coop, under a waterer, unable to move. Was able to give him some sugar water and bring him back.”

21. This little guy was squeaking in my back yard.

Have you ever rescued an animal? Share their photos with us in the comments!