Animal-People Are Just Like Us: Part 5 of a Multi-part Series (Father's Day Special)

“This male has been very successful. He’s ruled his group of fourteen for six years. The latest research shows that for an alpha male, there’s more to success than just aggressive displays of power. He’s strong. But also, gentle.” On the other hand, some proud animal fathers, like Carl the crane-person, can’t resist showing off their babies to everyone they meet! “Carl actually taught Junior how to knock on the door as well. Carl! Proud Papa.” Like Atlas, a dog-citizen who has been an affectionate foster father to kittens, baby birds, and puppies. “I knew Atlas would be a wonderful foster dad because he’s just a sweet giant. Is that your baby birdie? What a good boy. I knew that he was going to be gentle with everything because he was very special from the beginning.” “We are a sanctuary in upstate New York that specializes in pigs and special needs pigs. She was the runt of the litter at a breeding facility. Anne Claire is the clingiest piglet we’ve ever had by far. She just needed a chance to thrive, people.”

While on a break from work, Brian Lovins came across a little gosling who had been abandoned by his mother. “She bonded with me big time. I tried to teach her how to fly. I would run and hold my arms out.” One day, after Waddles the goose-gal ventured out into the wild, Brian found her with a broken wing. “The money was raised to have her right wing amputated because she would have never survived without doing that. This is an experience of a lifetime, one that I will cherish my whole life.” Kitui formed a remarkable bond with his dedicated keeper Kamara who hand-reared the little rhino for years. And eventually, Kitui was old enough to stand on his own feet, and was released into the nature reserve. The two greet each other like old friends, hugging and chatting. The impressive wild animal circles Kamara, and shows his affection towards the man who raised him.