10 Monogamous Animals That Mate for Life

The animal kingdom is filled with the most unique and awe-inspiring creatures; it never ceases to amaze us. One such aspect is monogamy. Here's a list of animals that mate for life.

Bald eagles lovingly preen each other's feathers as a symbol of 'love'. Swans touching each other's beaks, or Prairie voles cuddling and snuggling are similar signs of affection.

Too Much PDA!

Monogamy is staying with one partner for life. It is associated with humans for their ability to find one partner and stay with them forever. But, recent studies show that current divorce rate is the highest ever, with 50% marriages ending in few months or years.

Now it is time to shift focus to the animal kingdom. Research shows that around 90% of all bird species form monogamous pairs, as compared to a dismal 3% of mammals.

Most of these pairs last for many decades, or until one partner dies. There are always a few who do not like following rules, but species listed here rank high in the commitment section.

Some primates exhibit minimal sexual dimorphism, fostering strong gender equality with males and females resembling each other in near-monogamous relationships.

Gibbons

Couples often mate for life, raising babies and spending time together. But studies reveal that many aren't as committed as assumed, with males often cheating or seeking new partners.

Some animals, like wolves, demonstrate tight-knit, loving families, forming strong partnerships akin to those of humans.

Wolves

The pack normally has the wolf couple and their kids. However, they are not as sacrificial as the Angelfish, and do form new pairs if one of the partner dies.

Besides damaging wooden furniture, they form lifelong or exclusive partnerships. Typically, the queen mates with one or a few males to establish the colony.

Termites

Some termite species feature a king and queen who form an exclusive, lifelong pair to create their colony, never mating with other termites

Although not entirely monogamous, penguins often form lifelong bonds, raising their offspring together even in harsh winters.

Penguins

Although some species choose to mate exclusively for the particular mating season, there are some that stay together till the end.

These are a prime example of lifelong loyalty, doing everything together, from swimming and hunting to defending territory as a bonded pair.

French Angelfish

You will rarely find this fish alone, and in the event of a partner's death, the surviving one may not even get together with someone else! Now that's what we call true love.

The national bird of the United States, the Bald Eagle, teaches us about everlasting love by staying with its partner for an extended period.

Bald Eagles

Relationships among Bald Eagles can last up to 25 years, but if one partner dies, the surviving eagle may find a new mate.

These symbols of love live up to their name by forming lasting bonds with their partners.

Swans

Swans, like us, aren't perfect. Infidelity might happen, but most stick together until death. The male builds nests and helps raise their young.

They travel great distances to reunite with their partners for mating, forming enduring bonds that can last for decades.

Albatrosses

Most birds stay committed, waiting for their partners to return from food-finding flights. While fidelity levels vary, cheating is rare among bird species.

These vultures prioritize monogamy, showing that love transcends appearance.

Black Vultures

Studies by researchers have proven this; after conducting a genetic study on black vulture chicks, they found that nearly all the chicks were born from the same pairs that were raising them.

Not just that, black vultures commonly attack those of their kind who are found cheating on their partners! Highly-principled birds, we must say.

Prairie Voles

Unlike most rodents, these exemplify strong commitment through monogamous relationships. They bond for life, mimicking the behavior of a devoted couple.

The two build a nest together, raise babies together, distribute work around the nest amongst themselves, and in their spare time, groom and cuddle each other. It can't get more adorable than this.

Some More Examples

It is clear that monogamy exists even in the animal kingdom, and wild animals are as capable of affection and commitment as humans. Maybe it's time to look outside our world and take a few pointers from these animals.