Amazing animal dads

Much has been said and written about great dads. Many kids say, “My dad is the greatest!” And they are right. For who could be better than the dad one is born into and has grown up with?

But not much has been written about great dads in the animal world. So I thought that perhaps, in this month of June when we honor human fathers, it might be a good idea to also honor the animal dads who also do great things for their little ones.

How much do you know of animal fathers?

I, for one, didn’t know that there are indeed great dads in the animal world. Let me share with you what I have learned about four amazing animal fathers.

1) Male seahorse

Seahorses actually belong to the fish family, but they are unique. Why?

Well, the males get pregnant!  Yes, male seahorses have a pouch where the female seahorses deposit their eggs. Once the eggs are in a male seahorse’s pouch, he fertilizes them and keeps them warm for up to 45 days, until the eggs are fully developed.

Then this seahorse father gives birth to little seahorses.

2) Male frog and toad

They are probably two of the most dedicated animal fathers.

Many frog fathers carry their tadpoles in their mouths and they refuse to eat until the tadpoles are old enough to be on their own. How caring can they be?

Other frog fathers embed their spawn inside their skin, often on their backs or legs, to keep them safe from any harm.

Some male frog species, called pouched frogs, have a specialized pouch to carry and cradle their young while they grow up—something that only female kangaroos do.

3) Male Emperor Penguins

Laying an egg makes the female penguin so tired and so weak. She loses all the nutrition in her body so she must return to feed in the ocean for two months, and be healthy again.

In those two months, the male Emperor Penguin has the sole responsibility to take care of the egg. He has to keep it warm through the freezing Antarctic winter.

This dad spends all of his time holding the egg between the tops of his feet and his brooding pouch, without eating throughout the winter. He braves the cold, cruel winds. If he moves too suddenly or if the egg becomes exposed to the cold temperatures, the chick will die.

So Papa Penguin has to move and balance himself very carefully to make sure that the chick is safe.

4) Male wolves

We think of wolves as dangerous and scary animals, but the male wolf is actually a very attentive and protective tatay who is also a very good husband—for life. After a female wolf gives birth, he stands guard and hunts for food to share with his new family.

Tatay wolf is very generous and an excellent family man. Wherever he goes, he travels with his wife and kids.

Incredible dads, aren’t they?  As you thank the Lord for your dad on Father’s Day, may you also thank Him for the animals whom He created to be great dads, too.

I invite you to visit my website: leavesof grace.blogspot.com or email me at gdchong @gmail.com