Maternal instinct is probably one of the strongest feelings that animals and humans alike can experience. No wonder elephants endure 22-month pregnancies and crocodiles carry their offspring more gently than they breathe. After all, the way the motherly instinct is expressed is truly magical, whether it’s a lioness licking her cub or a monkey tenderly holding its baby.
We collected 23 absolutely adorable photos of animal mothers with their children that will make you want to call your mom.
1. This lemur mom carrying her children is heart-warming.
2. A lioness’ son is one of the most patient animals on the planet.
3. Look at this baby hiding in its mom’s fur.
4. The kiss of the zebra mom and daughter is so full of love, we’re crying.
5. If you want your heart to melt, just look at the photo below.
6. A protective meerkat mom won’t let anything happen to her child.
7. These llamas tenderly hugging is everything we needed to see in our lives.
8. There is always time for food.
9. It seems she’s telling her baby a cute story.
10. Sheep look so happy smiling at each other.
11. The way moms carry kittens around has always been the funniest.
12. Cutely intertwined tails are one of the most interesting expressions of love.
13. These hippos are sleeping together so peacefully, we started yawning just looking at them.
14. Look at this baby being hugged by his loving mom.
15. You can almost see this family smiling.
16. All aboard the mother ship!
17. This camel daughter is probably trying to warm up her nose under her mom’s chin.
18. She’s probably explaining how to hunt in the snow.
19. They’re holding our hearts in their tiny hands.
20. This is probably one of the most tender gestures in the world.
21. Here the cub is not that patient. “Mom, just let me go, I can clean myself just fine!”
22. This baby rhino is gently looking at its mom and we want to see them in person.
23. And, well, like mother like child.
All moms have their own parenting methods.
And they’re all inseparable from their kids.
They want to hide them from adversity.
Sometimes a mom can be a pillow…
…and sometimes she’s more like a playground.
All mothers enjoy the moment when kids sleep.
And they endure their bad behavior.
Babies’ laughter is a present for moms.
They appreciate care…
…and each kiss and hug makes them feel happy.
Moms share with a child all the good…
…and all the bad moments.
Mothers lead her kids to new heights.
But they never leave their sides.
She is an example to follow.
And she also provides reliable support.
Motherhood is hard work.
And because moms do it well…
…kids can be relaxed!
Not to mention playful and carefree.
A mom is defined as love and protection.