dad, this creates a unique job (WARNING: if you are
eating, you may want to stop) that involves eating food
and regurgitating a softer version suitable for his babies
to eat. Wagging tails all around for this dedicated dad!
The Greater Flamingo
The all around good guy of the animal kingdom and
a feminist to boot! Even though tempted daily by a
flock of thousands of female birds, the male flamingo
remains monogamous and chooses one special gal
to mate with for life. How romantic is that?! When
it comes time to mate, he even shares the duties of
choosing the perfect spot and building a nest out of
mud. Even after his mate lays her egg, dad will share in
the responsibility of incubation equally. This sharing of
duties even carries over once the hatchling is born. Swoon!
The Frog
Talk about dedicated, some male frogs keep their
tadpoles in their mouths until the tadpoles are able
to survive on their own. One type of frog, called the
pouched frog, carries their babies in a pouch on their
bellies while they develop. If you are trying to find
a better amphibian dad, you can frog-et about it!
The Seahorse
One of the only species in the animal kingdom known
for pregnancy, the male seahorse truly goes above and
beyond. The male seahorse has a pouch into which the
female deposits her eggs. It is then his job to fertilize and
incubate them for 45 days until they are born as teeny
tiny seahorses - they even have contractions as they go
through labor! Can you think of a better dad? We say nay!
The Emperor Penguin
One cannot talk about fabulous animal fathers without
thinking of the Emperor Penguin. Arguably the most
dedicated dads out there, male Emperor Penguins take on
the role of single father for two months while mom goes
out to feed after she lays her egg. During this time, the dad
must keep the egg warm by carefully balancing the egg
between the top of his toes and belly. He is so serious about
this job, that he will not eat or even move during that entire
two months fearing that the chick won’t hatch if exposed
to the harsh cold and wind. Now that is dedication!
Whatever the role, it’s clear to see that these dads take
caring for their offspring quite seriously so let’s celebrate
not only our human dads, but these special animals too!
Happy Father’s Day!
For additonal information visit: www.alleycatspetservice.com
JUNE 2018
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WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE |
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