10 Endearing Ways Animal Parents Care for Their Young

3. Barbary Macaque Dads Show Off Their Parenting Care

Barbary macaque fathers are far from shy when it comes to showing off their parenting skills. These dads are often seen proudly carrying their babies around, not just as a way of caring for them but also as a way to display their nurturing abilities to the rest of the group. It’s a behavior that signals strength, reliability, and responsibility, which can go a long way in establishing their place within the social structure of the troop. What’s even more interesting is that Barbary macaque fathers sometimes carry babies that aren’t their own. This practice helps build alliances with other members of the group, fostering a sense of trust and cooperation that benefits everyone. By taking care of another’s offspring, a male can gain respect and recognition from other group members, cementing his status and reinforcing social bonds.