In 1999, biologist Bruce Bagemihl debunked the heterosexual Noah’s Ark we were sold and published a groundbreaking study “Biological Exuberance,” where he documented more than 450 animal species that engage in homosexual behavior. Thanks to science, we now know that the animal kingdom is full of same-sex partnerships, from primates to parasites, and there’s no big deal about it.
The Denver Zoo is also a home for one lovely same-sex couple. Apollo and Trey are colorful lorikeets that have fallen head over heels for each other! “With these lorikeets, they perform courtship dances, preen each other, build nests, defend their territory & copulate,” tweeted the Zoo staff.
But not everyone was happy with the gay lovebirds. The homophobic comments started pouring in, but the Denver Zoo shut it down like a real badass. Let’s see how the whole discussion unfolded in the Twitter thread down below.
More info: Twitter | Facebook | DenverZoo.org
Meet the same-sex lorikeet couple Apollo and Trey living in Denver Zoo
Image credits: DenverZoo
Here’s the video of the two lovebirds having a blast
If you thought our flamingos were cool, our coconut lorikeets are already dressed in their ? best! These birds are native to Southeast Asia, but you can find them at our Lorikeet Adventure! Bird care expert Anton tells us about our same-sex lorikeet pair: Apollo and Trey. pic.twitter.com/ugSwMkB5AT
— Denver Zoo (@DenverZoo) June 13, 2019
Image credits: DenverZoo
Image credits: DenverZoo
But some commentators were confused by what the “same-sex” refers to
Image credits: Kim59Powers
And the Zoo staff handled the question with ease
Image credits: DenverZoo
Image credits: DenverZoo
According to scientists, same-sex relationships are all too common in the animal world. Jasper Buikx, a biologist at Amsterdam’s ARTIS Zoo, told DW: “Being homosexual is very common and no problem in the natural world at all. In fact, we see more heterophobia than homophobia in the animal kingdom.”
There are many different reasons why animals engage in homosexual activity, from a lack of heterosexual partners to seeking pleasure, settling fights, or forming social bonds. However, some animals have been observed having exclusively gay relationships and same-sex families.
Here’s another rude comment
Image credits: Lorie_Acosta
But the Zoo cleared all the confusion up by explaining everything loud and clear
Image credits: DenverZoo
Image credits: DenverZoo
Image credits: DenverZoo
According to DW, birds like vultures, geese, and ducks, are known for sticking to one partner for life. Those who choose a same-sex partner will also stick with them until the end. About 30% of albatross pairs on Oahu island are made up of 2 females. 20% of swan couples are known to be gay too, to name just a few examples.
And people showed their support for Apollo and Trey
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Image credits: WynneRichport
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And this is what others had to say
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