Eight Animals that Mate for Life

Humans are not the only species that practice monogamy. Here, eight other animals that form a life-long bond

Images loading...


Swans are probably the animal most associated with love and life-long pairing. These romantic creatures are often credited for being better at monogamy than humans and only find new mates if their partner dies or if the couple cannot reproduce together.


Image courtesy of wong yu liang/Shutterstock.com



The beaver is North America's largest rodent. A male and a female pair up at around the age of three to start a colony. Both parents care for their young, known as kits, until they are about two years old. At this age, the young beavers are forced to leave the colony and find mates of their own. Most pairs stay together for life.


Image courtesy of Alan Jeffery/Shutterstock.com


French Angelfish

French angelfish are found from the Florida coast, through the Caribbean and all the way to the coast of Brazil. Mating pairs stay together for life and spend it defending their territory from other couples. Their staple diet consists of algae and detritus but juveniles are expert cleaners and spend their early years cleaning (eating) bacteria off of other fish.


Image courtesy of Peter Leahy/Shutterstock.com


Bald Eagles

America's national symbol is also one of the most loyal birds when it comes to mating. Bald Eagles reach sexual maturity at about age four. At this time a male begins to perform courtship displays to attract a female. Once a male has won his intended partner over, the two decide on a nesting spot and usually spend the rest of their lives together.


Image courtesy of jo Crebbin/Shutterstock.com



Termites were probably not at the top of your list of creatures that stay together until death do them part. Termite queens usually choose one male or "king" to mate with for life. Each termite colony consist of a queen, king and their offspring, which are divided into various roles depending on their specific purpose within the colony. 


Image courtesy of pzAxe/Shutterstock



Prairie Voles

Prairie voles are one of the lesser known animals on the list. Once a male pairs himself with a female, they stay together for life. Occaisionally, the male and female prairie voles will mate outside their pair. Even so, they will continue to share a nest, groom each other and raise their young together. 


Image courtesy of CreativeNature.nl/Shutterstock.com


Black Vultures

The black vulture, also known as the American black vulture to prevent confusion with Eurasian vultures, is found in southern areas of North America and parts of South America. After the female chooses a mate, the two stay together for life. The jealous factor: American black vulture males are known to attack any other male who tries to mate with his female.


Image courtesy of Steve Byland/Shutterstock.com



Wolves have a very devoted family bond. Packs normally consist of a male, female and their offspring. The male and female will stay together until one dies. If this occurs, the remaing wolf will usually mate again rather than stay alone. 


Image courtesy of LesPalenik/Shutterstock.com


Next: 9 Ways to Be Married


Want MORE? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!




What’s your reaction?


Post new comment

Click to add a comment
Member Voices
Shoes & Accessories
Woman of Style and Substance
Swim & Lingerie