The animal kingdom is fascinating and the process that these amazing creatures develop is equally astounding. Here are 10 incredible photos of animals in the womb.
10. Dolphin
This picture features a bottlenose dolphin approximately half way through its gestation at six months. Found in relatively warm regions of the ocean, bottlenose dolphins have a twelve month gestation period. At six months the bottlenose dolphin fetus has developed tiny teeth and its tiny tail are developing flukes.
9. Elephant
This perfectly proportioned Asian elephant fetus is halfway through its gestation period at 11 months. Elephants, unlike human infants, maintain physical proportions throughout their lives. You can also see that the fetus already has a perfectly formed trunk and even small hooves.
8. Tiger Shark
Unlike most fish, sharks bear their young the same as mammals. This fetus tiger shark is one of the world’s ocean’s deadliest predators. You can see the dangerous potential in this fetus’s sharp teeth which can be used to eat other unborn siblings.
7. Penguin Peep
Inside its protective eggshell is a tiny regal emperor penguin chick. Here you can see it is warm down, that will protect this soon to be born chick from the bitterly cold environment. For now though it is happily floating in its egg fluid protected by its parent’s feathers and warm body.
6. Chihuahua
This tiny canine is already beginning to resemble its dog ancestors. When born this small puppy will develop a more pointed snout and will already be equipped with small sharp teeth.
5. Cheetah
This small cheetah is about two months into its three month gestation period. At around two-thirds to its birth date, this small cheetah fetus is already showing its distinctive spots and small claws. While completely helpless once born, this cheetah will one day be the fastest feline, or carnivore for that matter, in the world.
4. Snake
While snakes are one of man’s most popular creatures to fear and hate, it is a fascinating creature that seems to have similarities with lizards and young birds at this stage. This ultrasound of a corn snake is observed from inside an egg that is hard and much like a bird’s egg. It also shares a distinctive brain region and well-defined spinal column with its lizard brethren and young birds.
3. Opossum
The marsupial opossum’s birth process includes almost two births. This picture is of the fetus opossum that has been born for the first time. While in this stage, the fetus makes its way to its mother’s pouch to fully develop before being ready to be “born” for a second time.
2. Lemon Shark
This newest member to the fastest tropical shark species in the world is only starting to develop. At this stage the small fetus looks more like a tadpole and you can see the frills that are the start of its gill covers. Once born its immediate prey will be fish but eventually with more maturity this tiny shark will be able to grab seabirds from the tropical surfaces.
1. Polar Bears
These small fetuses will one day grow into the largest carnivore species on land, but right now are only two-thirds through their gestation. Still, these brothers already sport their tiny claws and warm insulating fur. While it looks like these two fetuses are sharing some sibling love, sibling rivalry is inevitable and will only escalate after birth.
