Wildlife Mothers: Strength and Devotion

The ocean is home to some of the most devoted mothers who to great lengths to protect and nurture their young.  For example:

1.   Humpback whale mothers travel thousands of miles to warm, calm waters to give birth and care for their calves in a safer environment, communicating with soft acoustic sounds to keep them close.

2.   Orca societies are matriarchal, with families led by females and all offspring staying with their mothers and grandmothers for life.  Living in tight-knit pods, older females help by ‘babysitting’ and feeding the young, boosting the calves’ chances of survival.

3.   Fur seal mothers and their pups can identify each other’s unique calls in crowded colonies, allowing them to reunite after separation.  Highly protective, mothers will aggressively defend their pups if needed, ensuring their safety as they grow stronger.

4. Sea otter mothers use kelp to wrap their pups, anchoring them to the ocean floor and preventing them from drifting away while foraging for food.

5.    Polar bear mothers fast in their dens for months, living off their body fat while giving birth and nurturing their cubs.  By conserving her energy, the mother can protect her cubs from the harsh winter conditions of the Artic.

6.    Walrus mothers are highly affectionate, using their flippers to cuddle and protect their calves.  With sensitive whiskers, they can recognize each other’s faces.  As tactile creatures, they rely on physical contact to strengthen their bond.