Unlikely mothers: Adoption in the animal world

National Geographic magazine writer Jennifer S. Holland shares photos and stories of unlikely animal pairs that share a parent-child relationship from her book, “Unlikely Friendships: 47 Remarkable Stories from the Animal Kingdom.”

5 Seconds

00:00

Mare and Fawn

During the first week of June, Bob Muth happened to be looking out the kitchen window and noticed a white-tailed deer giving birth in the barnyard. The coyotes also noticed. And it quickly became clear that they were intent on getting the fawn away from its mother. "I ran out to 'interfere' with nature," but before he could do anything, Bonnie stepped in. Bob watched in awe as Bonnie, a Morgan Quarter horse, got between the coyotes and the fawn, then positioned herself over the fawn to protect it. And to his relief, with Bonnie towering over the tiny animal, the coyotes gave up and moved on. With the danger passed, Bonnie nickered softly and leaned down to lick the newborn as if she herself had just dropped a foal, nudging the baby into a standing position.

Bob Muth /

Elephant and Sheep

Six-month-old baby elephant Themba was close to death after being orphaned and abandoned by his herd. Unable to care for himself or feed himself, the little elephant was wasting away when observers from the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve took the difficult decision to rescue him. However, it was still touch and go whether the young elephant would pull through until Albert the sheep came to the rescue. With a companion to share things with, Themba soon started to recover and the two are now firm friends who do everything together. The ultimate aim is to reintegrate Themba back into a wild herd when he is old enough. Until then his carers take great pains to teach him normal elephant behavior, and wherever Themba goes Albert is never far behind.

Caters News Agency / Rex USA

Owl and Greyhound

Shrek was born at the Ringwood Raptor and Reptile Centre in Hampshire's New Forest (UK), but was taken away after she hatched because it was feared that her inexperienced mother may eat her. Six-month-old dog Torque became an adoptive father to Shrek, the tiny baby owl. You can find them both lounging on the sofa: a dog with an owl perched between paws. Oh, and they both enjoy watching TV.

Solent News / Rex USA

Dachshund and Piglet

Pink was the runt of the litter by all measures, but in many ways, the pig born on a bed of straw in West Virginia was lucky. He weighed less than a pound, eyes sealed shut and frail, when owner Johanna introduced Pink to Tink, a small red dachshund. Tink had given birth to two pups herself recently and one had been stillborn. Distressed at the loss, Tink tucked Pink in amongst her own. Johanna says, "Tink treated him like royalty; I think he was actually her favorite."

Johanna Kerby

Daschund and Piglet

Pink huddles next to Tink. But this wasn't the only time Tink was introduced to pigs. Years earlier, Tink had rounded up piglets and started licking them even thought they were, at 25 pounds, much bigger than she was. Owner Johanna says, "Tink didn't care. She was so happy and wiggly — she had a great big grin on her face."

Johanna Kerby

Macaque and Cat

Anne Young was on vacation visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest in Bali. "The pair had been together a few days, and whenever the park staff tried to capture the kitten, it would just run back to the monkey," Anne says. The macaque, a young male, would groom his feline friend, hug and nuzzle it, and even lay his head on the kitten’s head as if it were a pillow.

Anne Young

Macaque and Cat

The macaque became wary of all the primates around him, and if other macaques or people got too close, he would try to hide his prize — once even using a bit of leaf to cover it — or climb higher or move deeper into the forest with the kitten in his arms. The kitten, meanwhile, had plenty of opportunities to escape the macaque’s clutches, "but it made no attempt whatsoever," Anne Young says.

Anne Young

Rottweiler and Wolf

Little nipper Beldaran, an 8-week-old baby wolf weighing just five pounds, was adopted by Ulrok, an 18-month-old male Rottweiler, when Beldaran was just four days old at the Kisma Preserve in Mt. Desert, Maine. Beldaran’s parents had rejected her. Since then, the unlikely pair has been inseparable. Both are rescue animals, and spend all of their time together at the reserve where they are cared for at the sanctuary. Ulrok, whose breed is known for its herding and guarding instincts, has now offered his parenting services to numerous animals at the facility, including tiger cubs, a baby gibbon and an injured leopard tortoise.

Barcroft / FAME

Papillion and Squirrel

Finnegan fell. It was a 40-foot tumble from his family nest high in the tree, yet somehow the tiny squirrel survived the landing. His future, which looked pretty bleak on the way down, turned brighter when a woman found him squealing at the base of the trunk. That woman was Debby Cantlon, who had a papillon named Mademoiselle Giselle. Maddie, for short, was round with pups. And perhaps because of her impending motherhood, the dog was oddly drawn to the unfamiliar squirming creature her owner had brought home. "I went on an errand," Debby recalls, "and when I got back, the kennel was empty." Turns out Maddie had pulled the swaddled squirrel through the dining room, down the hall, into the bedroom, and parked it next to her own bed. "She was there, guarding that squirrel like it was her own."

Dean Rutz / The Seattle Times

Pit bull, Cat and Chicks

Chicks dig Sharky, the pit bull. The tiny cotton puffs perch on this back, peck at his snout, and use him as a raft in the pool. They’re also strangely fond of a Siamese-snowshoe cat called Max, who noses them into line. And Max and Sharky, well, since the cat put the dog in his place with a paw slap or two, they’ve gotten along better than fine.

Helen J. Arnold

Piglet and Rhodesian Ridgeback

One cold night in 2009, Roland Adam of Hoerstel, Germany, discovered a pair of recently born pigs on his 20-acre property. One had already died of exposure and the other was a squirming handful of pinkish skin, chilled to the core, barely alive. Sure that the surviving baby would die from cold or hunger, or would be snatched by foxes before morning, Roland tucked it under his sweater and brought it to the house he shared with Katjinga the Rhodesian ridgeback. The piglet became little Paulinchen, and Roland decided to hand her off to his dog, who had recently weaned her own litter of pups. It was a good move. Katjinga gave the piglet the soft-puppy treatment, keeping her clean and warm. A few days later, with pig and hound getting along like mother and son, Roland discovered Paulinchen’s birth mother with the rest of her litter, all healthy. He thanked Katjinga for her service and returned the lost baby to the pig family, which eagerly accepted her.

Barcroft / Fame

"Unlikely Friendships: 47 Remarkable Stories from the Animal Kingdom" by Jennifer S. Holland

/ Workman Publishing Company

Featured Photo Galleries

Homeowner David Firth tries to beat back a brush fire heading towards his home at Bettas Road and Low Drive as wildfire burns Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2012 in Cle Elum, Wash. The fire jumped the line they were trying to make but still stands after being sprayed with water trucks and further efforts to beat it back with the help of several neighbors volunteering. (AP Photo/The Seattle Times, Bettina Hansen) SEATTLE OUT, USA TODAY OUT, MAGAZINES OUT, TELEVISION OUT, NO SALES . MANDATORY CREDIT TO: BETTINA HANSEN/THE SEATTLE TIMES.

Residents evacuate as wildfires rage through the West

This year’s wildfires are more numerous and have gotten bigger than last year’s, an official says.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Protesters gather outside the Ecuadorian Embassy, where Julian Assange, founder of Wikileaks is staying on August 16, 2012 in London, England. Mr Assange has been living inside Ecuador's London embassy since June 19, 2012 after requesting political asylum whilst facing extradition to Sweden to face allegations of sexual assault. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Julian Assange granted political asylum by Ecuador

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was granted asylum on Thursday by Ecuador, raising the possibility of a diplomatic showdown between British...

Chase Culp of Houston checks his clown makeup before the performance of Circus Smirkus on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012 in Montpelier, Vt. Circus Smirkus, based in Greensboro, Vt., is an award-winning international youth circus founded to promote the skills, culture and traditions of the traveling circus.(AP Photo/Toby Talbot)

India Independence Day, Syrian air strikes, Western wildfires, plastination and more in the day in photos

News and feature images from around the world.

Cast member Charisma Carpenter poses at the premiere of 'The Expendables 2' at the Grauman's Chinese theatre in Hollywood, California August 15, 2012. The movie opens in the U.S. on August 17. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni (UNITED STATES - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT)

Eye on entertainment

Charisma Carpenter, Chuck Norris, Lionel Richie, Joe Jonas, Nelly, Alice Cooper and other celebrities.

US President Barack Obama drinks a Guinness beer at The Dubliner pub on March 17, 2012 in Washington. Obama went to the bar to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)

Hoppy days are here again

President Obama is making clear his love for beer on the campaign trail as he attempts to ferment a coalition of the swilling.

Scanned from Post archive. Washington Senators baseball players Goose Goslin, Manush, Kukel. 9/21/1933. No other info. TWP Photo.

The last time Washington was this good . . .

The Nationals have had the best record in baseball in August, starting to erase memories hardened by decades of mediocrity. Here are clues to...

Montreal Washington, of Kansas City, pets the dog she adopted, Friday, Aug. 10, during 'Tackle Pet Homelessness' at the Kansas City animal shelter in Kansas City, Mo.. Washington plans on naming the pit bull, Alexandra. The shelter is at capacity and is offering a $25 adoption special for all dogs 25 pounds or more. For the month of August, all cats are 'name your own price' and kitten adoptions are $50. (AP Photo/The Kansas City Star, Allison Long)

Homeless and adopted dogs, sand kittens, snow leopards and more in animal views.

Amazing creatures from around the world.

LEWISBURG, WV - AUGUST 11: ( EDITORS NOTE: Image was created using the iPhone 4s with Snapseed's vintage filter) Two young boys sip a drink at the West Virginia State fair on August 11, 2012 in Lewisburg, West Virginia. People from across the region travel to the fair, which is celebrating its 88th year, and hosts various events including equestrian and livestock demonstrations along with a full compliment of carnival rides. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

iPhone snapshots at the West Virginia State Fair

An iPhone captures the fun at the West Virginia State Fair, in its 88th year. All images were created using the Snapseed photo-editing app&rsquo...

Back to Previous Gallery

Discussion Policy | FAQ | About Discussions

Comments

Add your comment

Read what others are saying About Badges

SuperFan Badge

SuperFan badge holders consistently post smart, timely comments about Washington area sports and teams.

More about badges | Request a badge

Culture Connoisseur Badge

Culture Connoisseurs consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on the arts, lifestyle and entertainment.

More about badges | Request a badge

Fact Checker Badge

Fact Checkers contribute questions, information and facts to The Fact Checker.

More about badges | Request a badge

Washingtologist Badge

Washingtologists consistently post thought-provoking, timely comments on events, communities, and trends in the Washington area.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Writer Badge

This commenter is a Washington Post editor, reporter or producer.

Post Forum Badge

Post Forum members consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on politics, national and international affairs.

More about badges | Request a badge

Weather Watcher Badge

Weather Watchers consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on climates and forecasts.

More about badges | Request a badge

World Watcher Badge

World Watchers consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on international affairs.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Contributor Badge

This commenter is a Washington Post contributor. Post contributors aren’t staff, but may write articles or columns. In some cases, contributors are sources or experts quoted in a story.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Recommended

Washington Post reporters or editors recommend this comment or reader post.

You must be logged in to report a comment.

Comments our editors find particularly useful or relevant are displayed in Top Comments, as are comments by users with these badges: . Replies to those posts appear here, as well as posts by staff writers.

All comments are posted in the All Comments tab.

More about badges

Get a badge

To pause and restart automatic updates, click "Live" or "Paused". If paused, you'll be notified of the number of additional comments that have come in.