Connecticut Wildlife Expert Shares Surprising Animal Love Rituals

Romance is in the air with Valentine’s Day just around the corner. Even in the crisp chill of a Connecticut winter, there’s a sense of warmth, affection, and possibility. And it’s not just us who feel it—members of the animal kingdom are getting in the spirit, too.

Our wildlife expert, Jen the Zookeeper, shared fascinating insights into how some of your favorite animals approach courtship, connection, and romance.

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Valentine’s Day in the Wild: When Animals Swipe Right

Move over Cupid—nature has its own lineup of love gurus, and they don’t need chocolates or Hallmark cards.

Penguins are the classic romantics. Many species propose with a carefully chosen pebble. A perfect pebble can spark a lifelong bond; a bad pebble, and you’re ghosted—scientifically known as courtship gifting.

Porcupines handle romance like a hazardous-materials drill. The female flattens her quills, the male tiptoes in from behind, and mating occurs without impalement. Scientists call this behavioral adaptation; humans might just call it patience and trust.

Swans are the elegant romantics of the lakes. They mate for life and spend hours performing synchronized swimming, head-bobbing, and nest-building. Biologists call this pair bonding, humans call it #CoupleGoals.

Bees are tiny love messengers. Male drones compete fiercely to mate with queens, proving that in some relationships, enthusiasm and aggression go hand-in-hand—or wing-in-wing.

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Seahorses redefine commitment. After daily dances with their partners, females deposit eggs into the males’ brood pouches, and he carries the pregnancy. Male pregnancy—the ultimate Valentine’s gesture.

Even praying mantises make the list, albeit terrifyingly. The male’s willingness to risk being eaten during mating is nature’s most extreme demonstration of “for better or worse.”

Scientific conclusion: Valentine’s Day in the animal kingdom is messy, elaborate, and occasionally lethal—but it’s undeniably effective. Love, it seems, thrives on effort, creativity, and a willingness to get a little weird. And a little foot massage never hurt the cause.

More on Jen the Zookeeper 

Jen has spent more than 30 years immersed in the fields of animal care, conservation, and science education. As the former Director of Animal Care for the New Canaan Nature Center in Connecticut, she oversaw the care of native mammals, reptiles, and birds of prey while educating the public about the important roles these wild neighbors play in our ecosystem. Her experience also includes time with both the Bronx Zoo and the Los Angeles Zoo, where she focused on the care of African and Asian wildlife and helped teach visitors about the delicate balance between humans and natural habitats.

Later, while working at a wildlife sanctuary in Half Moon Bay, California, Jen played a key role in training and handling nearly 50 exotic species. She also developed educational programs for at-risk and foster youth, helping historically underserved kids build trust, confidence, and healing connections with the non-releasable animals at the sanctuary.

In addition to her extensive wildlife work, Jen has experience in horse and dog training, animal control, veterinary care, and all things conservation education. Today, she owns and operates Jen Kotkin Pet Care, where she provides personalized care, exercise, and enrichment for dogs, cats, horses, birds, and more.