A sheep and a cat swiped hearts in Odessa Zoo and were named ‘Couple of the Year – 2025’. Masazhik, the cat, and Bagel, the lamb, outcompeted competitors like tigers, lemurs, and porcupines in the annual traditional competition that celebrates the closest animal relationships.
The pair fascinated zoo visitors and fans on social networks, too, becoming the leader in the popular tradition, UPI reports.
Couple of the Year 2025
The Odessa Zoo made the news public because of the unusual bond between Bagel and Masazhik on Facebook:
“The competition ‘Couple of the Year 2025′ has ended. The winners of the year are a lambs’ couple, Bagel, and cat, Masazhik.”Such an unusual combination of friendly relationships between absolutely different animals is possible only at the Odessa Zoo. We invite all to the awarding of winners.”
Masazhik, meaning ‘massage therapist’, is one of the most recognized zoo keepers due to his loving nature.He enjoys snuggling up on the back of Bagel, which shows just how close they are. Their lovely but quirky friendship has won over many hearts and demonstrated that friendship can occur even between the most unlikely of pairs.
Valentine’s Day Celebration
The award ceremony was held on Valentine’s Day, making the moment all the more romantic. The zoo’s annual contest has been a fan-favorite tradition, with last year’s winners being a mated sheep couple.
But Masazhik and Bagel’s tale was different this year, showing that love and friendship know no species. Their friendship has touched animal lovers all over the world, reaffirming the beauty of companionship in all its forms.