David Attenborough's Natural Curiosities Season 2 Episode 9 Strange Parents

David Attenborough's Natural Curiosities season 2 episode 9 titled "Strange Parents" is a fascinating exploration of the unconventional behavior of animal parents. From birds to mammals, Attenborough examines the ways in which different creatures care for their young and ensure their survival in the wild.

One of the most peculiar examples in the episode is the story of the Surinam toad, a frog whose parenting behavior is truly unique. Female Surinam toads have a special hole in their back where their eggs are laid, and the male toads fertilize them there. The female then grows a layer of skin over her eggs, creating pockets that soon hatch into tadpoles. The tadpoles remain inside the female's skin until they are fully developed, at which point they burst through the skin and swim away. This bizarre parenting method serves as a significant advantage in keeping the tadpoles safe from predators.

Attenborough also explores the behavior of the European roller, a bird that takes an unusual approach to parenting. Male and female rollers will mate and build a nest in which they lay their eggs. However, rather than both parents taking turns incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks, the female will leave the nest and fly away for several days while the male stays behind to nurture their young. When the female returns, the male will fly off on his own for several days. This bizarre parenting method ensures that at least one parent is always present to protect the young, even if it means not being there to provide food for them.

Another fascinating story told during the episode is that of the American coot, a bird that practices communal parenting. After laying their eggs, a group of coots will come together to create a "creche" in which they all care for and protect each other's young. This behavior allows for a greater number of chicks to survive, as they are not reliant on the limited resources of just one set of parents.

The episode also explores the ways in which some animals care for their young after they are born. For example, the jaguarundis, a type of wild cat native to South America, will continue to nurse their young long after they are weaned. This unusual behavior is thought to be a way of strengthening the bond between mother and offspring and may also provide the young with important nutrients and antibodies.

Overall, "Strange Parents" is a captivating look at the ways in which different animals have evolved to ensure the survival of their offspring. Attenborough's signature style of storytelling and incredible footage of these animals in their natural habitats make for a compelling and informative episode that nature lovers are sure to enjoy.