7 Photos That Capture A Mother’s Love

Here at National Wildlife magazine, there is no more surefire way to get a big response from our readers than to publish a photo that captures the bond between mother and baby. It doesn’t matter if it’s polar bears or ducks or apes—these photos touch us because they remind us that the love between a mother and baby is universal.

So, in honor of Mother’s Day this Sunday, I’m sharing some amazing photos that were past entries in the Baby Animals category of our National Wildlife Photo Contest.

Browse through our gallery of “aww”dorable baby animal entries from past years below.

Brown bear cub gets its mother in a muzzle-lock. Photo by Michael Pollack. 2012 National Wildlife Photo Contest entry, Baby Animals category.
Brown bear cub gets its mother in a muzzle-lock. Photo by Michael Pollack. 2012 National Wildlife Photo Contest entry.
Cheetah mother and cub
An affectionate moment between a mother cheetah and her cub. Photo by Lisa Hoffner. First Place winner, Baby Animals, 2012 National Wildlife Photo Contest.
Hippo mother and calf
Hippo mother and calf in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. Photo by Thomas Mattas. 2011 National Wildlife Photo Contest entry.
Sandhill crane chick
Sandhill crane chick peeking out of its parent’s feathers. Photo by Scott Helfrich. Second Place winner, Baby Animals, 2012 National Wildlife Photo Contest.
Polar bear mother and cubs
A polar bear cub cuddles against its mother in Wapusk National Park, Canada. Photo by Christine Haines. 2012 National Wildlife Photo Contest.
Yellow-bellied marmot mother and baby.
A baby yellow-bellied marmot snuggles against its mom in Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo by Fi Rust. 2012 National Wildlife Photo Contest entry.
Humpback whale mother and calf
A humpback whale helps her calf to the surface to breathe. Photo by Mazdak Radjainia. 2012 National Wildlife Photo Contest entry.

All photos were entries in the Baby Animals category of the National Wildlife Photo Contest. See more photos or sign up for the National Wildlife Photo Contest
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