Bevendre

This is very true.  As Fleur she was very protective of young ponies, and had a soft spot for baby animals, an extension of maternal instincts that could never be acted upon with her own offspring.

Papillon is a maternal character by nature.  She cares for the young and helpless, and extends that care out to her subjects.  It is only right that she would be tender towards young animals, even if they are completely feral.