Motherhood can be hard, but it remains to be the most rewarding job in the world — and moms from the animal kingdom know this well. Scientists say that the drive to care for infants, be it their own babies or adopted ones, seems to be universal among humans and many animals, no matter how difficult it may be.
Smalljoys have collected some striking pictures showing animal moms behaving much like humans do: feeding, teaching and protecting their children no matter the cost. Look through this list all the way to the end for your daily dose of cuteness!
1. This mama needs a nap.
2. When protecting your babies makes you look like an octopus:
3. Babies can be overwhelming at times.
4. These kittens look a bit different but she loves them nonetheless.
5. A hen taking care of kittens during a storm
6. When only 1 kid takes after their dad:
7. Having 11 kids can be rough!
8. This yellow baboon adopted a bush baby.
9. A young, happy family in love
10. Nothing is more comfortable than a mommy’s tail.
11. Mommy and daddy cats with their kittens
12. When a mother duck isn’t really a duck:
13. Babies remain babies no matter their size.
14. Who can tell that these babies were adopted?
15. “My cat recently had kittens — her face is priceless.”
16. “When your adopted brother is really big but Mom doesn’t mind.”
Bonus.
1. An elk hopping around in the snow, carrying a baby inside
2. No, I didn’t eat too many worms yesterday! But I wish I did…
3. Tell me what you know about a pear-shaped body…
4. Godzilla’s coming to town.
5. See that barbed wire? Don’t come near me, I’m pregnant!
6. This baby is definitely gonna be “down to earth.”
7. Guys, I heard Swedish dads get maternity leave too!
8. Cute little piglets, they said… You wouldn’t call them little if you were me.
9. It’s my 5th time. Nothing surprises me anymore…
10. She’s got a whole portion of “ratatouille” in her tummy.
11. One belly button coming right up!
12. Bambi? Is that you?
13. Showcasing her tummy like the precious thing it is.
14. What if those little ones already have needles?
15. I’d sleep standing up too, if I could. Trust me on this one.
16. What are you looking at? It’s all fluff! OK, it’s not…
17. Get up, you lazy head! Your brother is popping out any minute now.
19. Caviar: 100% loaded
20. Draw me like one of your French girls…
21. Never seen a pregnant ant? Ta-daaah!