In zoology, a crèche is an animal behaviour where offspring are cared for as a group by multiple females. Many species such as common eiders, lions, and penguins form crèches and exhibit group behaviours.

The common eider, also called St. Cuthbert's duck or Cuddy's duck, is a large sea-duck that is distributed over the northern coasts of Europe, North America and eastern Siberia. It breeds in Arctic and some northern temperate regions, but winters somewhat farther south in temperate zones, when it can form large flocks on coastal waters. It can fly at speeds up to 113 km/h (70 mph).