Nature's best dads according to WWF
- Published
You might think that your dad is the best, but did you know there are some pretty fantastic fathers in the animal kingdom too.
To celebrate Father's Day 2026 the nature charity WWF has picked its top five dads in nature.
The list includes mountain gorillas, short snouted seahorses, emperor penguins, African wild dogs, and rhea.
Read on to find out why these animals are great examples of looking after their young.
Male mountain gorillas are very protective. They help raise the infants and provide a safe place for youngsters to play and learn. This little one looks right at home.
Young wild dogs can't eat solid food until they are about 10 weeks old. Their dads eat, and then throw up their dinner, to make it easier for the pups to digest. Sharing is caring we suppose!
Male seahorses get pregnant and give birth to hundreds of tiny, fully formed young. But once they are born the young seahorses, known as 'fry', are on their own. These dads encourage independence!
Male emperor penguins incubate their eggs on their feet and use a fold of skin, called the brood pouch, to keep them warm in the harsh Antarctic winter. So the good dad rating is high for these guys for always keeping their young cosy and safe.
Male rhea incubate lots of eggs and look after the young birds for the first six months. They have also been known to adopt stray chicks and bring them up too. The more the merrier.
