Love it or loathe it, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to snuggle up to your nearest and dearest and see the world through heart-shaped glasses. But humans aren’t the only ones who enjoy affection. Whether procreating, nurturing their young or simply engaging in play, animals are capable of sharing intimate moments, too.
In fact, they could probably teach us a few things about care and conduct. So if you’ve been looking for love in all the wrong places, or simply need to sharpen your seduction techniques, draw emotional inspiration from these cute creature couplings.
1. Penguin pals
“I love you (gen)too.” It's an intense, passionate phrase that carries great weight in any language (even penguin).
Photo courtesy travel and wildlife photographer Renato Granieri.
2.Turtle power
“A thousand kisses from you / is never too much / I just don't wanna stop...” R&B legend Luther Vandross might've looked to sea turtles for inspiration on his classic single 'Never Too Much'; after all, their marathon love-making sessions can last up to 24 hours.
Photo courtesy travel and wildlife photographer Renato Granieri.
3. Racy rodents
Going nuts for a special someone? Squirrel away a few sweet nothings for a late night rendezvous.
Photo courtesy travel and wildlife photographer Renato Granieri.
4. Enter the love kingdom
In sickness, in health — and in snowstorms. Monogamous king penguins set a royal standard by being eternally faithful.
Photo courtesy travel and wildlife photographer Renato Granieri.
5. Seal of approval
Not every affair has to last forever. A surreptitious smooch can be just as much fun, as these lusty elephant seals demonstrate.
Photo courtesy travel and wildlife photographer Renato Granieri.
6. Lost that loving feline?
Who loves you more than anyone? Should've listened to you mom! She may be the fastest mammal on the planet, but time slows when a cheetah grooms her cubs.
Photo courtesy travel and wildlife photographer Renato Granieri.
7. Love isn't always pretty
Everything has its beauty — but not everyone see it. After all, even hairy warthogs deserve a little love, even if it ain't pretty.
Photo courtesy travel and wildlife photographer Renato Granieri.
8. Frozen heart?
You’ll need more than the “bear” necessities to keep a relationship afloat. You'll have to be prepared to take the plunge — no matter how cold!
Photo courtesy travel and wildlife photographer Renato Granieri.
9. Love 'reins' supreme
Occasionally, we all lock horns with our partners. Just be careful not to get stuck in a relationship rut.
Photo courtesy travel and wildlife photographer Renato Granieri.
10. 'Gorilla' my dreams
Male mountain gorillas have their pick of the troop, but there’s always one primate who’s extra special.
Photo courtesy travel and wildlife photographer Renato Granieri.
