Wildlife Babies: A Mother's Day Photo Gallery

It was my mother who encouraged my love of nature and wildlife and biology. When she asked what I wanted to do for my birthday I would say, “skip school and go to the zoo!” Mom agreed every time. She taught me how to dissect and understand the dead animals we found, (how many Mom’s would do that?) She helped me care for the injured creatures we found in the yard. She got me every field guide I wanted and even bought me my first 600 mm lens when I wanted to become a wildlife photographer thirteen years ago.

My mom has always been there for me and has supported me every step of the way with her love and enthusiasm. You helped me become the person I am today. This gallery is dedicated to you, Mom, and to all the awesome moms in the world. Where would we be without you?
-Hal Brindley

Lion cub and mother. Kruger National Park, South Africa.

A gentoo penguin and chicks on a rocky beach in Antarctica — Gentoo penguin and her two chicks, Antarctica

Black bear mother and cub, Alligator River NWR, North Carolina — If you look closely you will see purple stains on this little Black Bear cub’s nose and chin. He and his mother were eating berries together in the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina.

Elephant baby and mother. Kruger National Park, South Africa — Some kids are always getting themselves into trouble, and baby elephants are no exception.
Kruger National Park, South Africa

Polar bear and cub walking on the tundra in Canada — A polar bear mother may spend up to six months in the den without eating or drinking while she nurses her newborn cubs. Cubs nurse for up to two years and are completely dependent on their mothers for survival during this time.
Manitoba, Canada.

A baby Chacma Baboon riding on his mother's back in Kruger National Park, South Africa. — A baby Chacma Baboon catches a ride on his mother’s back as the troop travels through Kruger National Park, South Africa.

Gemsbok baby and mother. Kalahari Desert, South Africa. — A baby Gemsbok lies hidden in the grass until her mother comes back to nurse. Both males and females grow these incredible long horns, and you can see the baby’s horns are just starting to sprout. Kalahari Desert, South Africa.

Three-toed Sloth mother and baby. Cahuita, Costa Rica. — A baby Three-toed Sloth spends the first nine months of her life clinging to her mother while she climbs slowly through the treetops. Cahuita, Costa Rica.

Zebra mother and foal. Etosha National Park, Namibia.

Great Egret mother with four baby egrets on the nest. — This Great Egret mother has her wings full raising four demanding babies, but she handles it all with style and grace. Saint Augustine, Florida.

Are you ready for more incredible wildlife images? Check out our Zebra photo gallery. It’s a Dazzle of Zebras!

Hal Brindley

Brindley is an American conservation biologist, wildlife photographer, filmmaker, writer, and illustrator living in Asheville, NC. He studied black-footed cats in Namibia for his master’s research, has traveled to all seven continents, and loves native plant gardening. See more of his work at Travel for Wildlife , Truly Wild, Our Wild Yard, & Naturalist Studio.

wandering educators

Wednesday 1st of May 2013

aw - SO cute!!!

Cristina Garcia

Aren't they? I can't stop looking at the photos!

Mary @ Green Global Travel

It's amazing that you were able to get such great shots of mothers and their babies. Adorable!

Thanks Mary! yes, they are super cute!

Monday 29th of April 2013

I LOVE the lions, the penguins and the zebras!