What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
Aardvark cubs are born with wrinkly skin and stay in the burrow for a few weeks before venturing out in the world.
Baby hedgehogs, called hoglets, are born with soft spines that harden over time. They curl into tiny balls for protection.
Chinchilla kits are born fully furred and with their eyes open, ready to explore and bounce around their habitat.
Armadillo pups are born with soft shells that harden over time, and they quickly begin learning to dig.
Baby hippos are usually born underwater and can swim almost immediately, sticking close to their mothers for protection.
Baby zebras are up and running within an hour of birth, staying close to their mothers while learning to navigate their surroundings.
Baby beavers, called kits, are born with fur and can swim after just a few days. However, rely on their parents to build dams and lodges.
Baby groundhogs, known as kits, are born in burrows and stay underground for the first few weeks before emerging to explore.
Baby baboons cling to their mothers as they swing through trees, learning important social and survival skills since day one.
Bat pups cling tightly to their mothers while they fly, and rely on her for nourishment until they can learn to navigate the dark night.
Snake hatchlings break free from their eggs fully independent, ready to slither and hunt on their own.
Tiny and hairless at birth, hamster pups grow quickly and are independent by just a few weeks old.
Skunk kits are born blind and defenseless, but quickly develop their signature black and white fur and famous scent glands.
Hyena cubs are born with their eyes open and sharp teeth, immediately competing for dominance in the litter.
Camel calves are born with long legs and thick coats, standing up within hours to trek across the desert with their mothers.
Mountain lion cubs are born with spots that gradually fade as they grow, remaining hidden in dens during their first few weeks of life.
Guinea pig pups are born fully furred and with open eyes, able to run and eat solid food just hours after birth.
Sources: (The Dodo) (ABC News) (Brightside)
See also: Adorable baby animals pictured with their families
Rat pups are born hairless, relying heavily on their mothers until their fur grows in and they can forage.
Baby chipmunks are born hairless and blind, remaining in the burrow until they're ready to venture out and explore.
Meerkat pups are born blind, relying on the entire group to teach them how to survive in their harsh environment.
Kangaroos are born tiny and undeveloped, staying in their mother's pouch for months before hopping out to explore.
Parrot chicks are born featherless and dependent on their parents for food and warmth until they develop colorful plumage.
Badger cubs stay in the den for about eight weeks, where they're cared for by their mothers and grow their distinctive markings.
Koalas are born tiny and crawl into their mother's pouch, where they grow and later cling to her back as they explore.
Reindeer calves can walk within an hour of birth and quickly join the herd, learning to navigate their habitat.
Baby capybaras, called pups, are social, playful, and often seen swimming or following closely behind their parents in large groups.
Baby quokkas, called joeys, stay in their mother's pouch for the first few months, peeking out once in a while.
Baby porcupines, or porcupettes, are born with soft quills that harden within hours, making them surprisingly tough from the start.
Octopus hatchlings are tiny versions of adults, fully independent since birth and instinctively knowing how to hunt.
Pigeon squabs start off featherless but grow rapidly, soon developing their signature cooing as they snuggle up with their parents.
Baby animals are irresistibly adorable, each with their own unique traits that make them fascinating to discover. While puppies and kittens are well-known, there are many other amazing creatures we rarely see as babies. From tiny kangaroo joeys to capybara pups and newborn hippos, each species has its own charm and fun facts that make them even more endearing.
So click on and prepare for a cuteness overload with these adorable baby animals!
Animals you've never seen as babies
Let these cute baby animals brighten up your day
LIFESTYLE Moo deng
Baby animals are irresistibly adorable, each with their own unique traits that make them fascinating to discover. While puppies and kittens are well-known, there are many other amazing creatures we rarely see as babies. From tiny kangaroo joeys to capybara pups and newborn hippos, each species has its own charm and fun facts that make them even more endearing.
So click on and prepare for a cuteness overload with these adorable baby animals!