I love the following video because it *seems* like your standard TikTok fare: two Australian Shepherds zooming around, bouncing and chasing a giant ball, until — out of nowhere — a big old turkey shows up and joins right in like it’s totally standard, as if turkeys do this all the time. LOL!
The poor turkey is participating as much as they can. Mostly that just means they run head on into the ball at top speed. The Australian Shepherds are visibly puzzled. Occasionally, one will just shift into a confused trot, staring at the enthusiastic turkey like “what the…?” I don’t think they’re irritated — just terribly bewildered!
Viewers are loving this bizarre play date. “Maybe he wasn’t picked for the team, but he’s out there doing his thing.” said one commenter. Another thought that, “I just see three bros playing soccer.”
Pretty much everyone is worried about the turkey’s eventual fate: “That turkey doesn’t know what month it is,” “He knows he is about to be cooked,” and “Please don’t eat him.” TikTok has spoken. Hopefully this playful turkey gets a pardon!
Why Some Animals Instantly Click With Others
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When two animals “click” right away and form a bond, it usually isn’t about species, but more about matching behavior. Studies on pet dogs have shown that the success of their relationships depends more on the individual partner than on whether that partner is a dog, a cat, a human, or another species altogether. The personality and style of interaction are going to matter more than what the actual species is.
Research also shows that play style and intensity is a huge factor — animals will seek out others who have a style that more closely reflects their own. And when two animals have repeated interactions, and they are positive, trust grows, and these individuals are then more likely to enjoy each other’s company and seek one another out.
Related: Great Pyrenees’ Shenanigans With Mini Donkey Friend Are Pure Joy to Watch
When that happens between species, it turns into what scientists call an “interspecies friendship“–basically a long-term bond based on positive experiences, mutual comfort, shared play, and social bonding.
So, the turkey and dogs have a blast playing with a ball and each of them is more apt to associate each other with that fun time they had, and seek each other out for more fun next time.
It’s not random — they like the cut of each other’s jib, their energy. One good moment turns into the next and pretty soon they’re choosing each other on purpose. That’s how these weird, adorable friendships are made, and it’s a wonderful thing to witness.
This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Nov 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.