OF ANIMAL BOND

Animals love their young ones and care for them in different ways.

Almost all creatures care for their young. Many animals play with their babies and show their love by touching and hugging them.

Most animals clean, feed and protect their babies. Birds also 'teach' their fledglings how to go about the world as adults.

A number of animals build homes for their young. Tailor birds and weaver birds, ants, wasps and bees are among nature's master designers, engineers and architects. They weave, stitch and make different types of homes for their young using twigs, leaves, plant fibers, mud, saliva, wood and wax.

Female elephants care the longest for their calves. After a baby is born, it is closely guarded for months. The mother usually selects a full-time baby-sitter, or 'all-o-mother', from her group. This all-o-­mother helps in all aspects of raising the calf. She walks with the young as the herd travels, helping the calf along if it falls or gets stuck in the mud.

While marching through the jungle, the calf is made to walk between the mother and the all-o-mother.

Cubs of polar bear are born blind. When the cubs are born the whole family stays in a den. The mother breaks the entrance to the den when her cubs weigh about 10 to 15 kg (25 to 30 lb.). For about twelve to fifteen days, the family spends time outside the den while remaining nearby. The mother grazes on vegetation while the cubs become used to walking and playing. Female polar bears are noted for their affection towards their offspring.

The males of a number of species also help look after the young. The male saltwater crocodile is known to care for its babies when 'mama' is out for a swim. At mealtimes, the chief gorilla keeps watch while the females and the youngsters feed. Later, while the leader eats, the older male cubs keep guard.

[caption id="attachment_769" align="alignleft" width="274"] Man and animal living together in harmony for mutual benefit.[/caption]

The animal world is full of examples of the close bond between parents and their young.