[bbfan1991]

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A gorilla has reportedly become "best friends" with a rabbit at a Pennsylvania zoo.

Samantha - the 47-year-old western lowland - was introduced to the young Dutch rabbit named Panda at Erie Zoo, and they have since become inseparable.

"Right off the bat, they hit it off," zoo director Cindy Kreider told the Erie Times-News.

"To have something sharing their space that they can observe and interact with is always going to be beneficial."

The gorilla is too old to be kept with others at the zoo, and is often seen sharing food and stroking the rabbit.

"It was amazing to see,' said the zoo's Scott Mitchell. "And the reaction from the public has been amazing, too. People are intrigued by it. They like the fact that she has a companion."

Of Panda the bunny, he added: "He's fearless. He's not threatened by her. More often they're closer together than they are farther apart."