Does maternal affection apply only to humans. The term is animal maternal behavior. It means the acts of parenting committed by females and includes teaching behavior, feeding and protection. Maternal instinct in animals can sometimes be stronger than in humans.

I am sharing with you, what is written about the Orcas. Orca mums make lifelong sacrifices for their sons. It is like a method of birth control as while raising a son, the chances of reproducing are reduced. Since they need to put in a great deal of energy to feed their sons, they neglect their own health. The mothers sacrifice their own food and their energy. Orcas remain bonded, female orcas become independent, the males depend on their mothers, even demanding a share of what the mum has caught. The sons have a higher chance of survival with their mothers around. There are granny orcas also around and the mothers and grandmothers feed the boys the tastiest pieces of food. The outcome is that the oldest boy may become the big orca and sire many offspring.

Whole life bonding

The orcas and their children stay together their entire life. Even after they have their own children, they stay together. The orca calves do not sleep the first month, so mothers go without sleep too. Throughout his life, a resident orca will only separate from his mother for a few hours at a time, to forage and mate.

It is surprising to see such a powerful and intelligent animal being dependent on their mothers all their life. Professor Darren Croft, Marine Biologist (university of Exeter) says,

Robert Marc Lehmann. His videos are in German language, but you’ll find english subtitles.

Photo by Nitesh Jain on Unsplash