Impala and red-billed oxpecker, South Africa

© Matrishva Vyas/Getty Image

You've got a friend in me. Friendship Day

On the first Sunday of August, Canada along with many other countries around the world celebrates Friendship Day. This event began in 1930 when Hallmark Cards founder Joyce Hall proposed it as a day for people to acknowledge their friends by sending greeting cards. From exchanging friendship bracelets to sharing social media posts and messages, Canadians have come up with their own special traditions to appreciate their pals.

This is a good day to reflect on the many ways friendship impacts our lives, much like the symbiotic relationship between the impala and the red-billed oxpecker, pictured here in South Africa. Both these animals get something out of this relationship: the oxpecker gets food by eating ticks from the impala's skin, while the impala gets to stay clean. This animal duo showcases nature's version of companionship. So, reach out to your friends to express gratitude and simply say, 'I appreciate you.'