- Animals Adopting Other Animal Species

Animal adoption, also known as cross-species nurturing or alloparenting, is a phenomenon in which an animal of one species takes care of, protects, or raises a young animal of a different species. This behavior is not limited to just mammals and has been observed in various animal groups including birds, reptiles, and even insects.
There are various reasons why animals may adopt young from another species. In some cases, it may be due to a shortage of resources or the absence of the mother of the same species. In other cases, it may be an altruistic behavior in which an animal simply takes on the role of a caregiver and nurturer for a young animal in need.