After all, monogamy is not as uncommon in animals as you may think. Read about 7 animals who mate for life!
If you're a fan of the show F.R.I.E.N.D.S then you've probably heard of the reference to lobsters mating for life. Unfortunately, that little "factual tidbit" was false. Male lobsters often have a harem of females! But don't be disheartened because while lobsters might like to play the field there are several animals who mate for life. With love in the air and Valentines day here, we thought we'd list some animals that mate for life. We're sure some of these are bound to surprise you!
Beavers
Beavers are one of the few mammals that mate for a lifetime, only choosing to find another mate if their original mate dies. But here's where it gets interesting: there are two types of beavers, European beavers and North American beavers. While they have a lot in common, including the practice of finding lifelong mates, the latter has a tendency to "cheat". European beavers, on the other hand, remain faithful, taking "till death do us part' very very seriously.
Seahorses
Most of you already know that seahorses are unconventional in the sense that the male of the pair carries the babies to term. A fact that is so rare they may very well be the only animal species on earth to do so. But some species of seahorse are also monogamous and choose to stick with a single mate for life. A promise that also offers evolutionary benefit. Remaining faithful to one partner means more pregnancies during a mating season which means more baby seahorses.
Macaroni Penguins
These distinctive looking birds aren't particularly special in the sense that almost 90% of all birds tend to be monogamous in nature. But Macaroni penguins ARE special for the way they mate. They live in massive colonies with thousands of birds. Once they find their mate, they return to that mate for the rest of their lives even if they spend the rest of the year apart from each other. Reunions between mates are often filled with excitement and overt displays of affection.
Barn Owls
They have heart-shaped faces and huge eyes that make them absolutely adorable. Unlike other birds who while monogamous tend to be unfaithful, Barn owls put their love and faith in only one bird. Male owls will bring the objects of their affection gifts of dead mice and make mating screeches. Once a female reciprocates? They're together for life!
Bald Eagles
Bald eagles are the symbol of freedom in the U. S, but these free birds like to hitch their wagon to just one mate for their whole lives. Bald eagles will spend a significant portion of their time alone, only reconnecting with their mates during the breeding season, much like Macaroni penguins. But for at least 20-odd years, bald eagles will return to the same mate over and over and share chick-raising responsibilities.
Gibbons
Gibbons can live for up to 40 years, and in that time relationships formed are usually for life. Gibbon families are not unlike human families. Males and females bond intensely and share equal responsibilities in caring for their offspring and looking after each other. They also choose to spend time with each other just hanging out with their mates (date night?). But it's not all rosy for these monogamous mammals. Gibbons have also been known to cheat on their partners, or "remarry" with a more suitable mate.
Wolves
The term "lone wolf" is a bit strange and just a little sad considering wolves often live in packs and are also monogamous. An alpha male and alpha female will mate for life and build their pack by producing a litter of pups per year. These young wolves often move out when they’re mature to start their own pack or join another wolf pack.