The animal world offers a fascinating look into survival. Perhaps the most revealing is how species care for their young. While some parents will never be around to see how things turn out, there are many species providing surprisingly tender care to their babies. In fact, animals face some of the same challenges we do. Single parenting, teaching our kids to survive in a cruel world, and watching them leave the nest are just a few examples. Mother nature has built-in parenting skills for every species, guiding them to reproduce. One thing most species share is a desire to provide the needs of life, allowing their young to be strong and survive. Let’s salute the super moms of the animal kingdom with some interesting parenting facts and the most amazing mom and baby pictures from the wild kingdom. (1)

Orangutan Babies Bonding

Orangutans have a natural bond with their young. As the touching images show, much like humans, an orangutan mother must care for her baby providing food and affection. Because of this, mom carries her baby around for two years, providing safe transportation. The two remain together for about seven years during which time the baby learns how to forage for food, how to eat, and how to sleep safely in their nest. In fact, perhaps unlike humans, teens are known to come back to visit their moms on and off until they’re about 16. (1)

Polar Bear Babies Need Warmth

Not surprisingly, polar bear cubs need to be with mom to remain safe and warm in a harsh environment. Moms dig in the snow to create a den where mom and baby can hunker down nice and warm while winter rages outside. The warmth of mom’s body and her milk keep the cubs well until it’s safe to venture out in the spring. (1)

African Elephants Tribal Babies

African elephants instinctively know it takes a tribe to raise a child. Females share in the duties of raising the babies, thanks to the matriarchal society. Fellow females help the newborn elephant to get to its feet and feed. When a calf joins the group all the elephants follow the pace of the elders who ensure the babies can keep up.  (1)

Cheetah Babies Stay On The Move

Cheetah mothers keep their litter isolated, staying on the move to outpace predators anxious to catch their scent. The babies train with their fellow cubs and leave mom after about 18 months. The siblings hang around together for another six months or so. (1)

Emperor Penguins’ Babies Have Dad

We have to give a shout out to the penguin dad who is left on his own to care for his young. Once mom lays the egg, she leaves dad to babysit. His job is to protect the shell from the challenging environment while mom travels to find food for the baby. The journey to the ocean can be up to 50 miles. She comes back with her catch and takes over providing food and warmth for her hatchling. (1)

These are just a few examples of moms (and dads) caring for their babies in the wild. The pictures are a testament to the care and nurturing these adorable little babies get from mom.