Wild Fathers What Wild Animal Dads Teach Us About Fatherhood

Wild animal fathers are often seen merely as sperm donors with little contribution or influence on family affairs. This is indeed the case in plenty of species but many other wild animal dads have evolved to be significant and, in some instances, essential contributors to offspring survival. This book takes a close look at the role of animal dads in nature and what that may say about fatherhood in humans—giving insights into truly fascinating paternal behaviour in wild animals ranging from seahorses to monkeys and ostriches to penguins. Fatherhood is an oft-neglected subject compared to motherhood, yet many animal societies have evolved a major role for dads beyond the donation of sperm. There are myriad ways animals can become dads, involving different courtships styles to attract a female and mating systems from polygamy to monogamy and polyandry. Natural selection and mate choice also influence the potential of becoming a dad. When fatherhood is achieved, what is the role of pair bonding, fidelity, and male role models? These topics are explored with a wink to our own rituals and societal norms.

Erna Walraven was born in the Netherlands and moved to Australia via Spain in the 1980s. She has worked in zoos for more than three decades, including as Senior Curator at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia, for 20 years, where she is responsible for the scientific management of 400 species, including genetics, taxonomy, behaviour, welfare, interpretation and research. She was also a consultant to other zoos on animal husbandry, welfare and other matters.