Singing, gifting, snuggling—wildlife have unique ways of bonding
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NOTES FROM THE FIELD | 2025 | No. 2
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February is the month of love, but all year long wildlife are bursting
with displays of romance and affection. First dates, longtime mates, and
platonic pals all show their feelings to strengthen their bonds. Even
plants have a way of putting their best leaf forward to share in the
passion. Check out how species across our eight
Conservation Hubs
celebrate love in their own unique ways.
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It’s important to make a strong first impression, and a male gentoo
penguin knows just the trick. He presents a smooth, shiny pebble to his
female crush, and if she accepts, it becomes the beginning of their
nest. These tuxedoed
birds are real charmers! MEET
CUTE >
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Talk about relationship goals. Black
vultures form monogamous bonds, and
pairs stay together all year long and across multiple mating seasons.
Vulture flocks sometimes even punish males that cheat on their mates.
Learn more about these devoted avians with our Amazing
Wildlife podcast.
COUPLED
UP >
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Naked
mole rats aren’t actually naked, but when they do get cold in
their underground burrows, they snuggle together in a pile to stay warm.
What are friends for? Scurry on down to the San
Diego Zoo to see these
cuddly rodents yourself. CUDDLE
PUDDLE >
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During courtship,
young elephant couples often intertwine their trunks, much like humans
hold hands. It’s one of the many ways these pachyderms use their trunks
to express how they feel. Experience them for yourself at Elephant
Odyssey at the Zoo. LOVING
TOUCH >
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Nothing says Valentine’s Day like beautiful flowers, and orchids
are
some of the loveliest. Their delicate petals, daring shapes, and
brilliant coloring are enough to make any plant-lover swoon. Find out
more about these bold blooms at Orchid
Odyssey at the Zoo. DAZZLING
DISPLAY >
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When gibbons pair up, they make sweet music together and combine their
individual mating calls into a unique song. They sing this special tune
together during their years-long relationship to keep their bond strong.
Swing over to the Zoo
to see—and hear—soulful siamangs
in action. FOREST
SERENADE >
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WILDLIFE HEROES CHANGE
THE WORLD.
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John, no matter
how wildlife show their
love, the love you show for
wildlife is unmistakable.
When you join as a Wildlife
Hero, your ongoing monthly
support will make a vital
difference to the
extraordinary species
relying on us to survive—and
thrive—each and every day.
Your commitment fuels
critical conservation
efforts and secures the
future for wildlife, people,
and the planet we share.
We’re forever grateful to
have you with us as we
envision a world where all
life thrives.
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Your monthly gift will make a world of a difference for wildlife.
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BE A HERO
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DONATE
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Your support saves wildlife.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international conservation
nonprofit and a
registered 501(c)(3) organization. Tax ID# 95-1648219.
With more than 100 years of wildlife care expertise and partnerships
around the
globe, we are saving, protecting, and caring for species worldwide.
Follow along on our mission to save wildlife
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San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
Photo Credit | penguin: NicoElNino/iStock/Getty Images Plus, black
vulture: Gypsy Picture Show/iStock/Getty Images Plus
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