Animals care for their young in remarkable ways, in an attempt to ensure survival in often hostile environments.
From caring elephant mothers to nurturing gorillas and protective emperor penguins, all animals have a unique style when it comes to parenting. Though strategies vary across species, the goal is the same: to pass on the skills and resilience needed to survive in the wild.
Unlike human infants, young animals must learn fast in order to survive in the elements. Parental care (if you're one of the lucky species!) involves on providing food, water, shelter, protection, and crucial survival lessons.
- From a timid polar bear to a snoozing capybara – 20 adorable baby animals captured on camera
- Meet the worst – and most abusive – parents in the animal kingdom, including cute, but deadly, hamsters that eat their young
- Nature’s most devoted mother starves herself for an epic 4 years – so her babies get the best start – with devastating consequences
Some species, like elephants, show remarkable cooperation, with entire groups helping to guard and nurture their young. Others, however, offer a far harsher upbringing – female meerkats expose their pups to brutality, while rats have even been observed killing their offspring under certain conditions.
Discover more cute animals:
- Watch incredible footage of a tiny flamboyant cuttlefish hatching from its egg. Is this the cutest baby fish in the ocean? It's certainly the prettiest
- 10 cutest prehistoric animals, including an adorable 3-foot dwarf elephant you will want to take home with you
- 5 venomous mammals, including some cuties whose innocent looks hide their deadly streak
