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Homophobes Attack This Perfectly Innocent Same-Sex Lorikeet Couple, Get Shut Down By Denver Zoo
Interview
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
RELATED:
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
Bored Panda contacted Jake Kubié, director of communications at the Denver Zoological Foundation, to find out more about the two lovebirds, and there’s a lot more drama than you’d think!
It turns out, Apollo (male) and Trey are not currently a couple. “Apollo has always been a ‘third wheel’ to Mercutio (male) and Peppermint Patty (female) (although I believe his loyalty actually lies with Mercutio, not PP.)” Jake explained that “When Apollo and Trey paired up, Mercutio and Peppermint Patty were separated from the flock for breeding. As soon as they came back, Apollo ditched Trey for them again.” And Apollo is now back to his 3rd wheel status.
And the Zoo staff handled the question with ease
Image credits: DenverZoo
Image credits: DenverZoo
Jake explained that there are many ways lorikeets show their affection, “by spending lots of time together, preening each other, feeding each other, and, of course, copulation.” It turns out, lorikeets usually form bonds with a couple of close friends and sometimes a small group. Those who pair up engage in grooming, feeding, and copulation.
But the dramatic lorikeets are not the only same-sex couple known to the Zoo staff. “We have had same-sex pairings in our Humboldt and African penguins, our Chilean and American flamingos.”
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 scientists, same-sex relationships are all too common in the animal world. Jasper Buikx, a biologist at Amsterdam’s ARTIS Zoo, toldDW: “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.
According toDW, 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
Image credits: animetitle
Image credits: agentduckorico
Image credits: WynneRichport
Image credits: interruptingkau
Image credits: designhylton
Image credits: KittenBlueArt
Image credits: Byzantiumroses
And this is what others had to say
What do you think ?
Hans 5 years ago
People absurdly being offended by gay animals would be a funny phenomenon if it wasn't so sad.
Peachikeen 5 years ago
Reminds me of that Parks and Rec episode where Leslie marries two male penguins and there's outrage and calls for her to resign. Ridiculous!
Load More Replies...
mph seti 5 years ago
Funny how people who are against same sex couples also "value personal freedom". It's also funny how people who think abortion is murder are usually totally OK with owning assault rifles, waging war, not wearing masks during a pandemic, and the death penalty.
Parmeisan 5 years ago
Also if a woman is at risk by being pregnant / giving birth, they are just fine with the woman dying so long as nobody harms that fetus.
Load More Replies...
Troux 5 years ago
Their courtship dances are not legally recognized in the state of Mississippi.
Evil Little Thing 5 years ago
In Mississippi they are called "sibling dances".
Load More Replies...
Eunice Probert 5 years ago
Transgender animals exist too. My lovely hen Willow is trying to transition into William. S/he even crows! I asked Willow what pronoun to use, but s/he only gave me a long look and went off to hunt for bugs. Humans are the only animal that cares about gender and which one identifies with.
Ceredwyn Ealanta 5 years ago
I had a silkie rooster once who was the most amazing mother bird. He hatched eggs and fussed his (MASSIVE, non-silkie) babies around, even though they very quickly got way too giant to fit under his tiny wings. It looked like he was surfing on babies because they'd all get under him and lift him up.
Load More Replies...
Esca Sav 5 years ago
Same-sex partnerships are an actually thing in a lot of different species. Humans are the only ones who define it... and the only ones to be offended by it... I mean, I don't speak bird, but they seem better off than we are...
Viviane 5 years ago
For anything who says "not even animals--" yup, they do. What they don't do: act homophobic.
Load More Replies...
Vicky Zar 5 years ago
I vote for them being the official LGBT mascots. They are perfect, being rainbow coloured and gay. Love them!
Rose the Cook 5 years ago
The pair of peach-faced lovebirds we had appeared to mate, built a nest and laid eggs. Much to the children's disappointment the eggs never hatched because, as we eventually found out, we had been sold a pair of females.
Steve Cruz 5 years ago
A Rabbi addressed our LGBTQ Holocaust Memorial gathering a few years ago. He asked aloud, "Why do people feel compelled to announce whether or not they 'approve' of same-sex relationships? Imagine if people were as vocal about heterosexual pairings they don't like!"
Viviane 5 years ago
Slutty unmarried plants that masturbate and knock themselves up...
Load More Replies... Frankenfrog 5 years ago
Living proof that homosexuality isn't some weird concept thought up by humans, but all natural
DC 5 years ago
... and ... "homophobe" isn't really the correct term, as these people usually are not afraid of gays, like people being real XY-phobe are of XY, and it is not a mental disorder, like a real phobia is. They're just a******s.
jonny storms 5 years ago
Actually it is the right term. The suffix -phobe doesn't only have one meaning. It's other meaning is what applies here. It's the repulsed by version. Example, hydrophobic material.
Load More Replies...
Katinka Min 5 years ago
A rainbow bird couple that is voluntarily gay - just tell the haters that it's a sing from GOD. ;-)
Christina Uhlir 5 years ago
The problem is that haters created their God to their own image, not other way around.
Load More Replies...
JK Rowling 5 years ago
Dear Humans. Wake up. Mother Nature doesn't give a damn about your stupid societal norms
DC 5 years ago
It's already too much to care about other people's, even strangers, sexual preferences ... but why go after birds? Let them be gay, be straight, be bi, be whatever. Not that I'd use it that way, but I wish I had the time and nerve to care about stranger's crotches or stranger's activities at all ... must be a chilled and relaxed life if nothing more interesting and urgent ever happens...
Viviane 5 years ago
Dogs are very interested in crotches, but they're totally non-judgmental about them.
Load More Replies...
Liz 5 years ago
Yesssss we love to see it! Humans' strict gender roles are no more than a social construct, meanwhile, a whole spectrum of different types of genders, gender presentation, gender roles, and couples exist in the animal world—for all our intelligence, some people are still behind the animals!
Christina Uhlir 5 years ago
People are behind the animals as compassion is concerned; animals do not torture and kill other animals just for fun, enjoyment, to entertain themselves.
Load More Replies...
Kanga9ine 5 years ago
So why did God make them? How many other "mistakes" got through quality control. The T-Rex with those weird arms? The flea? Cockroaches? Boners on the boo boo side for me. Do they pass because, as far as we know, they were heterosexual. What about fish that can change gender when needed for keeping their numbers up as far a population? Living in a cage so masses of people can get an up close and personal look at animals also available for study in books, are not unaware they're "not in Kansas anymore". Don't expect them to "get a room" because you take offense or are embarrassed or judge mental. They don't give a s**t what you think. They think we're all goofy.
Sinkvenice 5 years ago
The stupidity of some people is absolutely mind blowing. People like that shouldn't breed.
Vernice Aure 5 years ago
If some people have a problem with same sex animal couples, wait till they hear about the inter-species couples.
Kathy Baylis 5 years ago (edited)
It never ceases to amaze me how many people act like the whole f*****g world is coming to an end, just because a couple of animals—-or people—-of the same gender decide they love each other. When we see those in love, we should smile and think of our own love—-or loves if we’ve been lucky enough to experience it more than once. It should not, however, be looked upon with righteous indignation. Of course, those complaining the loudest could merely be either jealous or in denial about themselves.
Christina Uhlir 5 years ago
People of the same gender do not decide they love each other, they just do love each other.
Load More Replies...
elfin 5 years ago
Why on earth do some people care so much about who or what other people and animals choose to mate with? Is this a sign that they are incredibly insecure about their own sexuality? As long as both lorikeets are consenting adults then there is no problem.
Sinkvenice 5 years ago
Based on your last sentence, this is a joke right?
Load More Replies...
KombatBunni 5 years ago
Why do some people persist in assigning human traits to animals who really don't care what gender their partner is? So what if the birds are both male? It's normal for them..and other animals in same sex pairs. If they don't give a c**p why should we?
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 5 years ago
This reminds me of the Parks & Recreation episode where Lesile Knope marries two penguins at a zoo as part of a publicity stunt, but then sparks outrage when the two penguins happen to both be male. If you're that irate over animals displaying homosexual behaviours, you really live a sad sad life.
Chewie Baron 5 years ago
Half the zoos in Europe have at least one pair of gay penguins. She'd flip her Utah that probably.
deanna woods 5 years ago
I am a Christian and I do not understand why so many people are aggravated about same sex relationships. First of all, it's no one's business what two adults(animals or humans) do in their personal life. Secondly, there is no such thing as a gay agenda. Gay people are not running around trying to get annoying straight people to switch sides. Can't we all just love who we want to love as long as it's not breaking the law.
Kenny Kulbiski 5 years ago
With everything else going on in the world what kind of person makes the sex habits of a couple of birds worth noting?
Jace 5 years ago
“...birds like vultures, geese, and ducks, are known for sticking to one partner for life.” Side note: While the pairing might be maintained over the long haul, they’re NOT sexually monogamous. Genetic testing has proven this. As for the stupid upset over same-sex bird couples... FFS. Humans are so stupid. We are the only species that acts like this about sex. F*****g get over it, humanity.
Kim Lorton 5 years ago
Female hyenas have penises, and can and do have sex with other female hyenas! When there are no males in their group, old enough. Getting the job done! If people got their nose out of their butts, and read more about things, they'd be less concerned about differences between us all, and notice the similarities. I just think of all the very sad folks who grew up knowing they were gay, but could never let anyone know, and died so unhappy. How much anger the people around them had to endure because the poor folks couldn't do what they wanted, with whom they wanted to do it!
Ivana Junas 5 years ago
I do wish to point out the mention of the female lion that grew a mane - she had ovarian cysts and endometriosis, had to have a hysterectomy because she was in pain, the mane and male behaviours disappeared after.
Christina Uhlir 5 years ago
That only proves that gay people do not choose their sex preference, as religious folks assert.
Load More Replies... Kanga9ine 5 years ago
In the animal world, it's usually the male that is flashier and has to put on a show to attract and be chose by the female. The female picks out the guy that looks like he got the strongest swimmers in his pool. She may be impressed by all the flashy displays and colors, but I tend to think she's not picking solely because of that. The cute guy in the flashy car often is the biggest loser in the bunch. The male was the one who chose. The demand for breast implants alone would be insane. Tummy tucks and Brazilian Butt Lifts, Tropical Colors going Blonde. And t, let alone maintaining
Lou Lopez 5 years ago
We have so many documented cases of same-sex choice in the animals around us. I have known a gay cat who became enamored of our other cat and then became very territorial and defensive of his "mate." Although many dominance displays can appear sexual (dogs often hump in excitement/dominance because they retain a puppy mentality), true sexual encounters are obvious as are courtship displays. My ducks have some enduring lesbian relationships going on; Franny and Cupcake have been together for seven years, and ducks don't live much longer than that. Ducks are also dumb as f**k, so I guarantee this isn't a choice. In addition, they aren't shy, so when I'm cleaning the water troughs and they get it on in the 50 gallon trough with quacking and splashing, I'm not blind to what they are doing.
youshouldseemeinacrown 4 years ago
Lmao they get offended by gay animals??? I don't get it. This must be a joke. Gods.
Jaybird3939 5 years ago
Trey and Apollo are just going to ruin bird marriage for the rest of them!
XianJaguar 5 years ago
No we're not. I'm one, and I think this is cute. :P
Load More Replies...
Nela Rothenbach 5 years ago
I think you misread that part. They say they don't assign sexuality....so they don't define them as hetero- or homosexual.
Load More Replies...
Lazy Panda 5 years ago
You’re not homophobic but you think animals were brainwashed into being gay because a naturally occurring same sex relationship would be BS... makes perfect sense
Load More Replies...
Hans 5 years ago
People absurdly being offended by gay animals would be a funny phenomenon if it wasn't so sad.
Peachikeen 5 years ago
Reminds me of that Parks and Rec episode where Leslie marries two male penguins and there's outrage and calls for her to resign. Ridiculous!
Load More Replies... mph seti 5 years ago
Funny how people who are against same sex couples also "value personal freedom". It's also funny how people who think abortion is murder are usually totally OK with owning assault rifles, waging war, not wearing masks during a pandemic, and the death penalty.
Parmeisan 5 years ago
Also if a woman is at risk by being pregnant / giving birth, they are just fine with the woman dying so long as nobody harms that fetus.
Load More Replies... Troux 5 years ago
Their courtship dances are not legally recognized in the state of Mississippi.
Evil Little Thing 5 years ago
In Mississippi they are called "sibling dances".
Load More Replies... Eunice Probert 5 years ago
Transgender animals exist too. My lovely hen Willow is trying to transition into William. S/he even crows! I asked Willow what pronoun to use, but s/he only gave me a long look and went off to hunt for bugs. Humans are the only animal that cares about gender and which one identifies with.
Ceredwyn Ealanta 5 years ago
I had a silkie rooster once who was the most amazing mother bird. He hatched eggs and fussed his (MASSIVE, non-silkie) babies around, even though they very quickly got way too giant to fit under his tiny wings. It looked like he was surfing on babies because they'd all get under him and lift him up.
Load More Replies... Esca Sav 5 years ago
Same-sex partnerships are an actually thing in a lot of different species. Humans are the only ones who define it... and the only ones to be offended by it... I mean, I don't speak bird, but they seem better off than we are...
Viviane 5 years ago
For anything who says "not even animals--" yup, they do. What they don't do: act homophobic.
Load More Replies... Vicky Zar 5 years ago
I vote for them being the official LGBT mascots. They are perfect, being rainbow coloured and gay. Love them!
Rose the Cook 5 years ago
The pair of peach-faced lovebirds we had appeared to mate, built a nest and laid eggs. Much to the children's disappointment the eggs never hatched because, as we eventually found out, we had been sold a pair of females.
Steve Cruz 5 years ago
A Rabbi addressed our LGBTQ Holocaust Memorial gathering a few years ago. He asked aloud, "Why do people feel compelled to announce whether or not they 'approve' of same-sex relationships? Imagine if people were as vocal about heterosexual pairings they don't like!"
Viviane 5 years ago
Slutty unmarried plants that masturbate and knock themselves up...
Load More Replies... Frankenfrog 5 years ago
Living proof that homosexuality isn't some weird concept thought up by humans, but all natural
DC 5 years ago
... and ... "homophobe" isn't really the correct term, as these people usually are not afraid of gays, like people being real XY-phobe are of XY, and it is not a mental disorder, like a real phobia is. They're just a******s.
jonny storms 5 years ago
Actually it is the right term. The suffix -phobe doesn't only have one meaning. It's other meaning is what applies here. It's the repulsed by version. Example, hydrophobic material.
Load More Replies... Katinka Min 5 years ago
A rainbow bird couple that is voluntarily gay - just tell the haters that it's a sing from GOD. ;-)
Christina Uhlir 5 years ago
The problem is that haters created their God to their own image, not other way around.
Load More Replies... JK Rowling 5 years ago
Dear Humans. Wake up. Mother Nature doesn't give a damn about your stupid societal norms
DC 5 years ago
It's already too much to care about other people's, even strangers, sexual preferences ... but why go after birds? Let them be gay, be straight, be bi, be whatever. Not that I'd use it that way, but I wish I had the time and nerve to care about stranger's crotches or stranger's activities at all ... must be a chilled and relaxed life if nothing more interesting and urgent ever happens...
Viviane 5 years ago
Dogs are very interested in crotches, but they're totally non-judgmental about them.
Load More Replies... Liz 5 years ago
Yesssss we love to see it! Humans' strict gender roles are no more than a social construct, meanwhile, a whole spectrum of different types of genders, gender presentation, gender roles, and couples exist in the animal world—for all our intelligence, some people are still behind the animals!
Christina Uhlir 5 years ago
People are behind the animals as compassion is concerned; animals do not torture and kill other animals just for fun, enjoyment, to entertain themselves.
Load More Replies... Kanga9ine 5 years ago
So why did God make them? How many other "mistakes" got through quality control. The T-Rex with those weird arms? The flea? Cockroaches? Boners on the boo boo side for me. Do they pass because, as far as we know, they were heterosexual. What about fish that can change gender when needed for keeping their numbers up as far a population? Living in a cage so masses of people can get an up close and personal look at animals also available for study in books, are not unaware they're "not in Kansas anymore". Don't expect them to "get a room" because you take offense or are embarrassed or judge mental. They don't give a s**t what you think. They think we're all goofy.
Sinkvenice 5 years ago
The stupidity of some people is absolutely mind blowing. People like that shouldn't breed.
Vernice Aure 5 years ago
If some people have a problem with same sex animal couples, wait till they hear about the inter-species couples.
Kathy Baylis 5 years ago (edited)
It never ceases to amaze me how many people act like the whole f*****g world is coming to an end, just because a couple of animals—-or people—-of the same gender decide they love each other. When we see those in love, we should smile and think of our own love—-or loves if we’ve been lucky enough to experience it more than once. It should not, however, be looked upon with righteous indignation. Of course, those complaining the loudest could merely be either jealous or in denial about themselves.
Christina Uhlir 5 years ago
People of the same gender do not decide they love each other, they just do love each other.
Load More Replies... elfin 5 years ago
Why on earth do some people care so much about who or what other people and animals choose to mate with? Is this a sign that they are incredibly insecure about their own sexuality? As long as both lorikeets are consenting adults then there is no problem.
Sinkvenice 5 years ago
Based on your last sentence, this is a joke right?
Load More Replies... KombatBunni 5 years ago
Why do some people persist in assigning human traits to animals who really don't care what gender their partner is? So what if the birds are both male? It's normal for them..and other animals in same sex pairs. If they don't give a c**p why should we?
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 5 years ago
This reminds me of the Parks & Recreation episode where Lesile Knope marries two penguins at a zoo as part of a publicity stunt, but then sparks outrage when the two penguins happen to both be male. If you're that irate over animals displaying homosexual behaviours, you really live a sad sad life.
Chewie Baron 5 years ago
Half the zoos in Europe have at least one pair of gay penguins. She'd flip her Utah that probably.
deanna woods 5 years ago
I am a Christian and I do not understand why so many people are aggravated about same sex relationships. First of all, it's no one's business what two adults(animals or humans) do in their personal life. Secondly, there is no such thing as a gay agenda. Gay people are not running around trying to get annoying straight people to switch sides. Can't we all just love who we want to love as long as it's not breaking the law.
Kenny Kulbiski 5 years ago
With everything else going on in the world what kind of person makes the sex habits of a couple of birds worth noting?
Jace 5 years ago
“...birds like vultures, geese, and ducks, are known for sticking to one partner for life.” Side note: While the pairing might be maintained over the long haul, they’re NOT sexually monogamous. Genetic testing has proven this. As for the stupid upset over same-sex bird couples... FFS. Humans are so stupid. We are the only species that acts like this about sex. F*****g get over it, humanity.
Kim Lorton 5 years ago
Female hyenas have penises, and can and do have sex with other female hyenas! When there are no males in their group, old enough. Getting the job done! If people got their nose out of their butts, and read more about things, they'd be less concerned about differences between us all, and notice the similarities. I just think of all the very sad folks who grew up knowing they were gay, but could never let anyone know, and died so unhappy. How much anger the people around them had to endure because the poor folks couldn't do what they wanted, with whom they wanted to do it!
Ivana Junas 5 years ago
I do wish to point out the mention of the female lion that grew a mane - she had ovarian cysts and endometriosis, had to have a hysterectomy because she was in pain, the mane and male behaviours disappeared after.
Christina Uhlir 5 years ago
That only proves that gay people do not choose their sex preference, as religious folks assert.
Load More Replies... Kanga9ine 5 years ago
In the animal world, it's usually the male that is flashier and has to put on a show to attract and be chose by the female. The female picks out the guy that looks like he got the strongest swimmers in his pool. She may be impressed by all the flashy displays and colors, but I tend to think she's not picking solely because of that. The cute guy in the flashy car often is the biggest loser in the bunch. The male was the one who chose. The demand for breast implants alone would be insane. Tummy tucks and Brazilian Butt Lifts, Tropical Colors going Blonde. And t, let alone maintaining
Lou Lopez 5 years ago
We have so many documented cases of same-sex choice in the animals around us. I have known a gay cat who became enamored of our other cat and then became very territorial and defensive of his "mate." Although many dominance displays can appear sexual (dogs often hump in excitement/dominance because they retain a puppy mentality), true sexual encounters are obvious as are courtship displays. My ducks have some enduring lesbian relationships going on; Franny and Cupcake have been together for seven years, and ducks don't live much longer than that. Ducks are also dumb as f**k, so I guarantee this isn't a choice. In addition, they aren't shy, so when I'm cleaning the water troughs and they get it on in the 50 gallon trough with quacking and splashing, I'm not blind to what they are doing.
youshouldseemeinacrown 4 years ago
Lmao they get offended by gay animals??? I don't get it. This must be a joke. Gods.
Jaybird3939 5 years ago
Trey and Apollo are just going to ruin bird marriage for the rest of them!
XianJaguar 5 years ago
No we're not. I'm one, and I think this is cute. :P
Load More Replies... Nela Rothenbach 5 years ago
I think you misread that part. They say they don't assign sexuality....so they don't define them as hetero- or homosexual.
Load More Replies... Lazy Panda 5 years ago
You’re not homophobic but you think animals were brainwashed into being gay because a naturally occurring same sex relationship would be BS... makes perfect sense
Load More Replies... 
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