FRICK INVESTIGATES: WHO IS THE BEST ANIMAL DADDY?
Fathers in the animal kingdom can get a bad rep. We are here today to find the best dads in the animal kingdom, the GOOD PAPAS!
Good evening, nature fans!
Gordie here, stopping by this Father's Day weekend to say we are back from our lil production hiatus with another...
EPISODE FIVE OF THE FRICK, I LOVE NATURE PODCAST!
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Be it your classic animal deadbeat dad situation, or even a dad snacking on their young, dads in the animal kingdom have a low bar to cross to be seen as "good dads” in the eyes of us humans. But what makes a good animal dad? Who is the best animal papa? What makes a baddy daddy? To find the ultimate animal dad, we met with Dr. Karen Bales, a professor who studies biological psychology, neurobiology, and behaviour. Dr. Bales works with a bunch of different species, examining their pair bonding and other social constructs. And let me tell ya, learnt some very juicy animal daddy facts.
So now that you've spent time with your dad all day, go listen to the episode. It’s on Spotify, Apple, and most podcast platforms!
If you like it, give us a 5-star review. Heck, chuck us a 5-star review even if you don’t like it!
And now for the rest of the Frick Newsletter…
ANIMAL DAD FACTS!!!
Fact #1: Papa Emperor Pengunine
The emperor penguin is Antarctica's best daddy. Unlike most birds, the emperor penguin doesn't just drop its eggs and leave—nope, they take full responsibility for their little ones. After the female lays a single egg, she carefully transfers it to the male, who then balances it on his feet, tucked into a special brood pouch. She then braves the wilds for a whopping two months to gather food for their new baby. And here’s the kicker: the males huddle together in enormous colonies, braving the freezing cold and relentless winds, all while incubating the eggs for about two months without eating. And when the chicks hatch, the dads fiercely guard them, sharing warmth and protection, even when food is scarce. These papas are truly the kings of fatherhood in the Antarctic. If I didn't eat for two months, I'd be the worst version of myself, and probably not doing so hot.
Fact #2: Father Strawberry Poison Dart Frog
The male strawberry poison dart frog is a tiny but wild parenting pro. Unlike most frogs that just lay their eggs and bounce, the male strawberry dart frog has a pretty epic way of keeping their eggs alive and moist—by whizzing on them! These little frogs actually pee directly onto their eggs to keep them hydrated. It’s like nature’s own lil’ sprinkler system. This pee isn’t just about hydration—it's also believed to help prevent mold and bacterial growth, giving their babies a better shot at survival. I salute you, you beautiful crafty piss beasts.
Fact #3: Daddy Big Bass
Daddy bass has got some pretty savage parenting skills. When his babies hatch, he doesn’t just sit back and watch—nope, he’s a fierce protector, defending his young from many predators.. But not himself. If any of the weaker or slower fry don’t swim away or get left behind, the father bass will sometimes chomp down on his offspring. Yep, sometimes he eats the stragglers—those tiny, vulnerable fish that can’t keep up or survive on their own. It’s like he’s trimming the herd, making sure only the strongest survive to grow into big, badass bass. Father bass is a baddy daddy, but compared to so many other animal dads, he still ain't the worst.
That’s all for this newsletter. Now go learn what makes a good animal dad! Here are the Spotify and Apple links again, but you can find the show on any podcast platform. Go! Listen now!
Thanks for reading Natureinos!
– Gordie & The Frick Team