These Fathers Can Always Be Counted On

Thursday is Ascension Day – and at the same time, the considerably less contemplative Father's Day! But despite all the handcart outings, Father's Day is for many dads above all a family day. The animal kingdom also has its share of perfect fathers. Get to know these exemplary animal dads right here:

Lesser Spotted Eagle: The Family's Main Provider

Right now, «Mrs. Lesser Spotted Eagle» is laying two eggs in the nest. When the chicks hatch, «Dad» is right there. He lovingly hauls high-energy food – frogs, field mice, and moles – for the young and the female. «During incubation and immediately after the chicks hatch, the male takes on the role of main provider for the new little family,» explains Dr. Andreas Kinser, lesser spotted eagle expert at the Deutsche Wildtier Stiftung. «The larger the chicks grow, the more the female also joins in the hunt for prey.» By August at the latest, the young birds leave the eyrie to complete their first flying exercises.

Badger Fathers: Master Builders of the Finest Order

Badger fathers are master builders of the very finest order. The family must have plenty of space! The underground badger setts often branch out across several levels. «Badgers, whose folk name ‘Grimmbart’ hints more at their bad temper, are in reality likeable fellows – as long as you don’t disturb them,» says Andreas Kinser. The division of labour in the badger family is clearly defined: the male sees to construction, the sanitation, and cleanliness in the sett, while Mother Badger looks after the badger cubs, who later go on to serve their apprenticeship as builders under «Dad Badger.»

Wolf Fathers: Faithful Food Providers

When it comes to finding the right nursery for their young, the wolf mother the den. She digs a burrow for this purpose and retreats inside. No one from the pack is allowed to enter the den — not even the wolf father. Without having seen his offspring, he faithfully takes care of providing food. He goes hunting and places part of the prey in front of the entrance. Only three weeks later do the pups emerge from the den and meet their father for the first time.

Beaver Fathers: Two Years of Education

Beavers are true family animals! For two years, the beaver father, together with the female, takes time to prepare the young for life: swimming and diving lessons, grooming, and plant lore are all on the curriculum. Of course, the young beavers also need to learn how to fell trees. More about fascinating wildlife.