Parents love their children. Animals and humans alike have a soft spot for their little ones. Believe it or not, animals care for their young in similar ways as humans. They bathe, feed, teach, and protect them in ways that just might look familiar to us.
Their babies are just as cute too! Maybe even cuter, depending on who you ask. Either way, we’re sure you’ll find these parent/baby moments to be extremely adorable. Whether you have little ones of your own, thinking about it, or simply like to admire from afar, you’re in the right place.
Enjoy these heartwarming photos!
1) Family portrait
This is a good one! Look at these cuties! Although, one of the parents doesn’t look as thrilled as the other, it’s not uncommon! We’re sure they’re one big happy family.
2) Handle with care
Craddling a sleeping baby is a lot of work. Having to remain as silent and as still as possible, isn’t easy! But it’s what comes with the territory! This squirrel looks to be doing a wonderful job with their newborn.
3) Why, hello there!
Gotcha! Look at this beautiful, happy family. The parents look thrilled. The little one hasn’t the slightest idea what’s going on. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to taking photos soon enough.
4) Proud parents
Aww! How adorable! Even the parents look excited. What a marvelous family.
5) “Hey, ma. Can you help me out?”
Sometimes even playing with parents can get a tad bit out of hand. This little kitty got stuck in some blinds! It looks like they were caught by their owners who didn’t seem to mind at all.
6) In the wild
What a gorgeous photo! It looks so peaceful. These elephants are lucky to be in such a breathtaking place. It’s perfect to raise up little elephants like this one.
7) Koalaback ride
Hop on! This mom is taking her young one on an adventure. Or simply up a tree. Either way, it’s nice not having to walk.
8) Hold on tight
Koalas aren’t the only ones giving rides to their babies. This baby monkey is also enjoying not having to use its legs. Just remember to hold on tight!
9) Loving family
While one parent rests, the other looks out for the little ones. What an awesome sight to see. Teamwork makes the dream work especially when parenting.
10) Wait up!
No little one wants their parents to go anywhere without them. It turns out foxes are no different. This pup is making sure they aren’t left behind.
11) “What are you doing? Where are you going?”
And they want to know everything. No question is off-limits. These lamb seem to have a lot of things on their mind. Be prepared to not have much alone time for awhile.
12) How’s it hangin’?
This baby sloth looks to be having the time of its life haning out with their parent. Just look at that smile! It sure does look fun up there.
13) Gotcha!
Little panda is trying to keep up with big panda! By the looks of it, they just might be able to! It looks like they’re both having a blast.
14) “Are we there yet?”
This is going to happen a lot if it hasn’t already. Kids always want to know if their destination is getting any closer. I wonder if it’s the same for animals.
15) Falling asleep on mom
Look at how loving these parents are! Similiar to us, it looks like they’re comforting their little one as they fall asleep. How amazing.
16) Like parent, like children
This is heartwarming! These pups want to be just like their parent. It looks like the parent is leading by example. Great job!
17) Almost!
Kids want to be just like their parents. This one is pretty close. Wrong way, little buddy!
18) Follow the leader
This little rhino is trying to keep up with big rhino. They’re not too far behind either! Quite impressive. Before you know it, they’ll be walking side-by-side.
19) Hand me downs
Humans aren’t the only ones who bring their babies food. Penguins just do it a little differently. Looks… unique.
20) Shhhh
This entire family is knocked out! It’s easy to see why. Just look at how many pups they have. Who wouldn’t be exhausted?
21) There’s so many!
These parents are looking at each other as if they know that it’s going to be a long day. I’m sure it was. Talk about keeping your ducks in a row.
22) A day out with the fam
We all spend quality time with our family. Who says animals don’t do the same? This little family is spending the day out on the town. Panda, anyone?
23) “I don’t wanna go to school.”
Looks like this baby is stuck on their parent. Luckily, it looks like the parent doesn’t mind in the least. Enjoy it while you can!
24) True love
What a tender moment between parent and child. This picture shows the powerful connection between the two. It’s simply beautiful.
25) When the little one doesn’t sleep
These parents are sound asleep. The thing is, their little one can’t seem to close their eyes. Typical. But just look at those loving cats.
26) ‘Sup
This looks like a photo of a surfer family. They look pretty awesome. It must be the hair.
27) Naptime is the best time
This baby knew exactly where to sleep. It may not be all that parents are good for but it is a perk. Sleep tight!
28) Lion King has nothing on us
It looks like this tiger is teaching their little one a lesson; similar to Mufasa and Simba. The little one looks to be taking it all in. Maybe he can’t wait to be king of the forest.
29) Time for a headcount
Wow! Now this is a liter! One of the parents looks to be accounting for all of them. How adorable.
30) Loving lemur
This lemur is sure not to slide off. That grip looks tight! I wonder what caught their attention.
31) Free rides
Enjoy these rides while you can. It won’t be long before you’re forced to tread water on your own. Just looks at that shade though. Spoiled!
32) “Mommy, what’s this?”
Little ones are curious. There’s nothing wrong with that! This is a parent’s opportunity to teach their children about the world. Bask in it while you can. Soon enough, they’re not going to be listening to you for awhile!
33) Mama Bear
Bears are known to be ultra protective of their young. In turn, cubs love staying close to their parents. It’s the perfect match! Maybe that’s where the ‘Mama Bear’ name came from.
34) “What’s this in your hair?”
Monkeys clean their young by pulling out bugs from their hair. They’re very meticulous. Who wouldn’t want a clean child?
35) Keep up!
Mama duck is on the move! Keep up, children! How freakin’ adorable is this?!
36) “No, like this.”
This gorilla is having a blast with their little one. The baby looks to be imitating what their parent is doing. This is exactly how children learn.
37) Yep, they’re yours
Have fun! This dog looks a bit unsure of what to do next. Still, those bright eyes look pretty proud.
38) Keep your distance
These moose seem to have spotted the photographer. If I were the photographer, I wouldn’t want to get any closer. This parent looks cautious.
39) Crossing the road
This little monkey is trying to keep up with their mama. She seems to be keeping an eye out for her little one as well. Fortunately, they don’t have to worry about much traffic.
40) Studying behavior
This hen is keeping an eye out for her chicks. Look at how cute they are. I can hear their little chirps now.
41) Two peas in a pod
These two look like old pals. The resemblance is uncanny. Genetics really can play a role in behavioral traits!
42) When the little one believes they can fly
This cutie is utilizing their imagination. The parent looks to be supporting their ventures. Or perhaps, they’re just learning how to walk. Regardless, this penguin is awesome for supporting their little one.
43) Off-guard
There’s nothing like chilling with your parent. This cat even lets the kitten lay on their tail. Now, that’s true love.
44) Smile for the camera
Look at those eyes! The little one has the most adorable ears as well. One day, this lamb will be nice and full of wool like the older sheep.
45) Lazy days
This cub is playing with their parent. The thing is, the parent is too tired. Of course, that doesn’t stop the cub from trying.
46) Waiting for little sibling
This foal looks like it’s going to be an older sibling soon. Mama looks to be expecting another baby. Luckily, they’ll have a ton of land to run around in.
47) When you look just like both parents…
This pup will never be mistaken to be anyone else’s. They’re a spitting image of their parents. It’s not a bad thing. They’re gorgeous!
48) “What’s that noise?”
This baby bunny seems to have heard something. Their parent however, looks as cool as a cucumber. Don’t worry, I’m sure mama will protect you.
49) Snuggles
These two are enjoying a nice nap together. These are the best naps – parent and child resting comfortably. The kitten looks so peaceful.
50) When they can’t sit still
This pup looks like they want to play. Keep trying. I’m sure if anybody can get this dog moving, it’s the puppy. Parents will do anything to make their kids happy.
51) Curious
This little monkey looks pretty intrighued with the rock. The parent looks to be patiently showing the baby something. Maybe they’re playing a game.
52) Military style
Left, left, left, right, left. Keep in step, little ones! This is going to get your ready for the big leagues – crossing the street. They’re well on their way.
53) The cool family
These goats sure know how to stike a pose. But don’t be fooled. You see those horns? I’ll keep my distance, photographer. I’m sure this parent is going to keep a watchful eye on those who threaten their peace.
54) Nosey neighbors
These racoons are learning to be subtly watchful just like their parent. The trick is to blend in. I’m sure they know all of the gossip.
55) Rock-a-bye baby
This baby monkey looks like they’re dozing off in their parents arms. What else are parent’s arms for? How perfect.
56) Twins
These two are spitting images of each other. At least you’ll know that you’ll be a looker, kid. Golden retrievers seem to have strong genes.
57) When reality hits…
Uh, yeah. They’re going to be counting on you. Don’t panic now! It’ll all be worth it.
58) Protector
This baboon family looks pretty protected. The older one has its sights set on something in the distance. Either way, they look secure with this parent around.
59) Do as I say, not as I do
As you can see, humans aren’t the only ones who mimic their parents. All animals seem to do it. I wonder what’s caught their attention.
60) Class is in session
Although this cheetah looks to be relaxing, a lesson could be going on. Perhaps a lesson in observation? Whatever it is, this parent sure seems focused.
61) My favorite resting spot
Every child’s favorite resting spot is somewhere on their mother. This little kitten looks like a newborn so they’ll be sleeping like this for awhile. Looks nice and cozy!
62) Try and keep up!
Follow the leader, young one! There’s something about elephants that are just so darn cute! Look at the little one dragging his trunk on the ground.
63) On time-out
You’re not going anywhere, anytime soon. This Vervet monkey is making sure the little one doesn’t wonder off. It’s for your own good! At least you’ll probably get whatever they’re eating, when it falls.
64) Who do you look up to?
While the parent’s attention looks to somewhere off into the distance, the cub seems to want some of it. Lounging in the shade isn’t a bad way to spend some time though. What a great photo op.
65) Role Model
This father ostrich is showing his son the ropes. They look like buddies. I bet the little one can’t wait to grow up and become big and strong like his dad. What a great photo.
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