Celebrate Father’s Day with some of Florida’s dedicated dads. From fierce defenders to brooding baby-carriers, these animal fathers redefine what it means to show up for your kids. No necktie required!
Sandhill crane
Sandhill cranes are synonymous with the Florida landscape. Standing nearly four feet tall, they are known for their monogamous nature and dancing rituals to attract their mates.
But when it’s time to defend the family nest? The dad turns into a full-on feathered bouncer. Male sandhill cranes use powerful kicks to ward off threats, keeping eggs and hatchlings safe from predators. Talk about putting his best foot forward.
Lined seahorse
In the underwater world, the lined seahorse takes fatherhood to a whole new level: literally carrying the kids. Found along Florida’s coasts, these small but mighty fish grasp seagrass and mangroves with their tails and rely on elaborate courtship dances to find “the one.”
After mating, the female deposits eggs into the male’s brood pouch (think kangaroo, but saltier), where he fertilizes and incubates them. In about three weeks, he gives birth to up to 650 teeny seahorse babies.
Florida scrub-jay
Meet the only bird species found only in Florida: the Florida scrub-jay. These blue and gray birds live in tight-knit families and thrive in the dry, scrubby habitats of the peninsula.
While mom takes the lead on incubating, dad is a multitasking hero, gathering twigs to build the nest, standing guard like a tiny sentry, and feeding the female so she can focus on hatching. Sometimes, even older siblings stick around to help raise the next brood.
Still on the hunt for the perfect gift for your own dad? Make a donation in his name for the cause closest to his heart.
