Page 11 - Allah's Gentle Artistry

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Almost every newborn creature is weak and helpless,
unaware of the dangers that surround it. It is very unlikely
that it could survive and grow on its own. From the moment it
is born it will always have adults nearby to feed it, protect it
from danger and, if necessary, sacrifice their own lives for it.
Young animals can survive only if they are looked after
by strong grown-ups. A gazelle abandoned at birth or bird's
eggs left uncared for have no possibility of survival. But

young animals usually can survive because they have careful
parents who do not neglect their responsibilities, even before
their young are still in the egg or the womb. Many creatures
go to a lot of trouble to protect their eggs, hiding them where
they will not get broken, keeping them warm and when nec-
essary, protecting them from too much heat. They will guard
over their eggs for weeks and even carry them around in their

mouths without harming them in any way.
This book documents the tenderness that creatures have
for their young and the conscious acts of self-sacrifice per-
formed throughout the animal world. You will read about the
great care taken by animal parents to build comfortable nests
for their young. You will learn how they clean their offspring,