Gay Animal Relationships More Common Than Expected, Says Safari Park Keeper

At West Midlands Safari Park, keeper Vicky McFarlane has shed light on the prevalence of same-sex relationships among animals, highlighting a gay penguin couple and a "throuple" of lorikeets. This discussion follows the recent death of a renowned gay penguin in Australia, prompting McFarlane to share insights about the park's residents, including male Humboldt penguins Arnie and Frodo, who have been together since 2020. McFarlane emphasized that same-sex relationships in animals are surprisingly common, particularly among species like penguins and lorikeets. She noted that these animals often form strong emotional bonds, with many being monogamous and mating for life. "There is a courtship; they will flirt and see who takes their fancy," she explained, adding that once they settle down, they become inseparable, akin to being "in love." The keeper also mentioned that the animals are allowed to choose their mates independently, with staff merely observing their interactions to ensure harmony. This hands-off approach allows the animals to establish their own relationships naturally. In contrast to the monogamous tendencies of penguins and lorikeets, McFarlane pointed out that sea lions exhibit different social behaviors, suggesting a diverse range of relationship dynamics within the animal kingdom. The insights from West Midlands Safari Park contribute to a broader understanding of animal behavior and the complexities of their social structures.