Only about three percent of the Earth’s animals are considered monogamous. Most are driven by the primitive urge to pass on their genes by mating with any and every willing partner. But there are exceptions to every rule. Here is a list of six animals that mate for life — some of which may surprise you!
Wolves
Unlike their domesticated cousin, the dog, wild wolves mimic traditional human families in that there is generally a mother, father, and their shared offspring. The whole pack even aids in childcare, with older siblings helping mom with the younger pups.
Gibbons
In the primate world, humans are akin to only the gibbon on entering into monogamous relationships. Gorillas and chimpanzees have wide ranging sexual lifestyles while the trusty gibbons form strong bonded pairs. The male and female spend time together grooming and nesting in trees. The females and males are roughly the same size, which could be either a result of, or a reason for this behavior.
Prairie Voles
Like primates, monogamy is a rarity in the rodent world, but prairie vole pairs stick together, grooming and cuddling, sharing housekeeping chores and childcare. Like any species, the male vole occasionally gets cold feet, which will earn him a firm grab by the scruff of the neck by the female. It’s the vole version of “and just where do you think you’re going?” No wonder vole is an anagram for love!
Swans
Though their behavior towards humans can be a bit volatile, the beautiful swan is one of the most romantic examples of animals that mate for life. Pairs can sometimes be seen swimming together with their necks intertwined into a heart shape.
Black Vultures
For proof that good looks aren’t essential for creating a lasting relationship, consider the black vulture. Pairs of this less than cuddly bird share egg incubating duties and feeding of hatchlings, spending nearly all of their time together. But watch out — a wronged vulture will attack a cheating spouse to teach them to keep their nose in their own nest!
Termites
Here’s one you didn’t expect. While ants have one supreme female leader with several male concubines, termite colonies are ruled by a queen and her king. This pair of leaders will produce all of the offspring in the mound, and they can stay together for as long as 20 years. Like some humans, breakups can be violent with spurned lovers chewing the antennae off the other.
