5 Outstanding Animal Moms Going the Extra Mile for Their Young
In nature, perhaps no other bond is stronger than that between a mother and her young. A mother feeds, nurtures, teaches, protects, and sacrifices to ensure the survival of her children. So for this we wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, everywhere!
As we celebrate this important day, it’s also important to remember humans aren’t the only ones who take extraordinary steps to protect, nurture and raise their young.
The animal kingdom is flush with moms that take the time to teach their babies how to find food and protect themselves against the elements. Here’s a look at five remarkable animal mothers going the extra mile for their young:
- African elephant
When it comes to African elephants, a new mom is not alone in guiding her young. Elephants live in a matriarchal society, so other females in the social group help a calf to its feet after birth and show the baby how to nurse. The older elephants adjust the pace of the herd so the calf can keep stride. By watching the adults, the calf learns which plants to eat and how to access them. The females regularly make affectionate contact with the calf.
2. Rhino
If threatened a baby rhino will run in front of it’s mother. Young rhinos are rarely attacked due to the protectiveness of their mothers. Find out more on rhino conservation.
3. Cheetah
Cheetah mothers raise their young in isolation. They move their litter — usually two to six cubs — every four days to prevent a build-up of smell that predators can track. After 18 months of training as hunters, the cheetah cubs finally leave their mothers. The cubs then form a sibling group that will stay together for another six months.
4. Gorilla
A baby gorilla will spend the first few months in constant physical contact with their mother. Female gorillas have offspring every 6–8 years.
© naturepl.com /Andy Rouse / WWF
5. Whale
Right whale mothers and their calves display strong attachments, with the calf keeping in close contact with its mother by swimming up on her back or butting her with its head. Find out more on our marine conservation work.
