Some animals have a remarkable ability to care for young that aren’t their own. From nurturing within their species to rare cross-species adoptions, these acts show just how strong parental instincts can be in the wild.
This list is for general information only. Behaviour can vary among individual animals, and such cases are often rare in the wild.
1. Bottlenose Dolphin
Bottlenose dolphins are highly social animals that often look out for one another. Sometimes, a female will adopt an orphaned calf from her own species. She’ll protect it from danger, help it navigate the pod, and make sure it gets enough to eat.
This kind of care can last for years in the wild.
2. Giant Panda
Cubs that lose their mothers in panda breeding centres sometimes get a second chance with a foster mum. Giant pandas in captivity have been known to raise another female’s cub, especially when a mother has twins and can only care for one.
The foster mother provides milk, warmth, and the same level of attention she gives her own young.
3. Capuchin Monkey
Capuchin monkeys live in close family groups where helping others is common. If a young monkey loses its mother, another female may take over, carrying and feeding it until it’s independent. This care strengthens bonds within the group and keeps vulnerable youngsters safe.
It’s a touching example of cooperation in the animal world.
4. African Elephant
In elephant herds, calves are everyone’s responsibility. If a calf becomes orphaned, another female – often an aunt or grandmother – will step in to care for it. She provides protection, guidance, and even milk if she’s nursing.
These adoptions help keep the herd stable and the young calf alive.
5. Polar Bear
Although polar bears are solitary hunters, there have been rare cases of females raising cubs that aren’t their own. A foster mother in the Arctic must share her food and keep the cub warm in freezing conditions.
This extra effort shows just how strong maternal instincts can be. It’s not common, but it does happen.
6. Squirrel Monkey
Within the lively social life of squirrel monkeys, care for young isn’t always limited to a baby’s own mother. When an infant is left without a parent, another female may carry, protect, and feed it.
Such support helps maintain group stability and keeps the little one safe.
7. Red Fox
If a mother fox is lost, another vixen in the family group may step in to raise her kits. She provides food, shelter in the den, and guidance on hunting skills.
The extra care can mean the difference between survival and hardship for the youngsters.
8. Lioness
Lionesses share the work of raising cubs within their pride. If a mother is lost, another female will nurse and protect her young as part of the group.
This communal approach means no cub is left without care. It’s one of the reasons lions are such successful social hunters.
9. Chimpanzee
Chimpanzees sometimes adopt orphans within their community. A female may carry, groom, and share food with the youngster until it’s old enough to fend for itself.
This behaviour helps the orphan survive and also builds trust within the group. It’s a sign of the strong social bonds chimps rely on.
10. Bald Eagle
In the wild, bald eagle nests sometimes welcome chicks that aren’t the pair’s own. Mated pairs have been seen raising orphaned eaglets from their species, feeding and protecting them until they can fly.
This behaviour increases the chances that more young eagles will reach adulthood.
