Talk about the odd couple. So why a rabbit? The zoo said the 47-year-old western lowland gorilla is too old to be introduced to another gorilla. Her previous companion, a gorilla named Rudy, died in 2005.
Some might wonder if a small rabbit is safe with a gorilla for a roommate. But zoo officials say Samantha has a gentle personality. She was hand-raised and was more comfortable around humans even when Rudy was alive.
A local paper reported Samantha and Panda get along well. Samantha will gently scratch under the bunny's chin and share her food.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.