The animal kingdom is flush with extraordinary parents via worldwildlife.org
As Mother’s Day rolls around, it’s 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 outstanding animal mothers
going the extra mile for their young:
1. Orangutan
The bond between an orangutan mother and her young is one of the
strongest in nature. During the first two years of life, the young rely
entirely on their mothers for both food and transportation. The moms
stay with their young for six to seven years, teaching them where to
find food, what and how to eat and the technique for building a sleeping
nest. Female orangutans are known to “visit” their mothers until they
reach the age of 15 or 16.
2. Polar Bear
Attentive polar bear mothers usually give birth to twin cubs that
stick by her for about two years to learn the necessary survival skills
in the cold climate. The mothers den by digging into deep snow drifts,
creating a space protected from the elements. They usually give birth
between December and January and keep the cubs warm and healthy using
their body heat and milk. The cubs leave the den in March and April to
get used to outside temperatures before learning to hunt.
3. 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.
4. Cheetah
Cheetah mothers raise their young in isolation. They move their
litter—usually two to five 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.
5. Emperor Penguin
After laying an egg, the mother emperor penguin leaves it with a male
who protects the fragile hard shell from the elements. The mother then
travels up to 50 miles to reach the ocean and fish. She later returns to
the hatching site to regurgitate the food to the newly hatched chicks.
Using the warmth of her own brood pouch, the mother keeps the chick warm
and safe.
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