Bearizona’s most affectionate animals celebrate National Hugging Day, a little early

TUCSON, AZ (KOLD News 13) - National Hugging Day is a real thing, created back in 1986 to “encourage everyone to hug family and friends more often” and is celebrated on Jan. 21.

Several of Bearizona’s affectionate animals got in on the action a little early.

Check them out:

Lucky, the baby elk rescued after an accident in I-40 last year and Battington, a baby mule... — Lucky, the baby elk rescued after an accident in I-40 last year and Battington, a baby mule deer, rub noses. (Source: Bearizona)

Thick as Javelinas: Olivia, Joe, Bacon Bit and Jerome snuggle in the sun. Two of the javelinas... — Thick as Javelinas: Olivia, Joe, Bacon Bit and Jerome snuggle in the sun. Two of the javelinas are rescues and two were born at Bearizona. (Source: Bearizona)

Alaskan Tundra Wolves Shadow, the dark grey one on the left, and Geronimo, the white one on the... — Alaskan Tundra Wolves Shadow, the dark grey one on the left, and Geronimo, the white one on the right, kiss. (Source: Bearizona)

Two tiny black bear brothers, Bjorn and Ole, were rescued last year from Pinetop-Lakeside after... — Two tiny black bear brothers, Bjorn and Ole, were rescued last year from Pinetop-Lakeside after their mother was euthanized. Here they celebrate their first week in their new home at Bearizona, where they are now growing into strong, young bears. (Source: Bearizona)

Black Bear Best Friends for Life! Scooby and Lemmon cuddle in the grass. (Source: Bearizona)

Two fuzzy otters, Dash and Flynn, cuddle in the sun. (Source: Bearizona)

Prairie Dog Pile: Alvin and Alfie sleep on top of one another. (Source: Bearizona)

Nacho and Libre, two new jaguar brothers at Bearizona, clean snow off each other. (Source:... — Nacho and Libre, two new jaguar brothers at Bearizona, clean snow off each other. (Source: Bearizona)

Klondike, left, and Cubbie, right, go in for a bear hug—literally! (Source: Bearizona)

Cubbie on top and Blue on bottom have a roll in the hay. (Source: Bearizona)

Alaskan Tundra Wolves Geronimo, the tallest wolf, and Kay, beneath him, huddle up. (Source:... — Alaskan Tundra Wolves Geronimo, the tallest wolf, and Kay, beneath him, huddle up. (Source: Bearizona)

Pawsitively Precious: Black bear cubs Cubbie and Rizzo snuggle-play. (Source: Bearizona)

Bearizona’s most affectionate animals celebrate National Hugging Day, a little early

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