Animals Say, 'Love You, Dad'

MANE MARVEL 

Male lions (Panthera leo) first grow their striking manes, which vary in color from black to blond, starting at age three. 

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BONOBO BOND

Unlike females, male bonobos (Pan paniscus) typically maintain contact with their mothers during adolescence and into their adult lives.

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ELEPHANT MUD RUN

The largest male African elephants (Loxodonta africana) with the biggest tusks are the most likely to become fathers.

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PANDA PARTY 

Solitary for most of the year, male giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) seek out company during breeding season in the spring months from March to May.

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SPLASH & SCREAM

When male sea otters (Enhydra lutris) defend their territories, they typically settle disputes with vigorous splashing and “yelling.”

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PAPA BEAR 

A male brown bear (Ursus arctos) may reach sexual maturity around five years of age, but he typically won’t become a dad until he’s reached his full size at about age ten. 

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SOLO SKUNK

During their winter sleep, female skunks (Mephitis mephitis) typically share a den with other females and their young, but males tend to sleep alone.

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PORTLY POLAR BEAR

An adult male polar bear (Ursus maritimus) can weigh up to 1,760 pounds and measure more than eight feet long from nose to tail. 

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