Homosexuality In zoos

foz said:
Some more gay monkeys, this time at Drayton Manor zoo
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It doesn't imply they actually 'do' anything, but it seems a case where they've been placed together without females so its a bit unfair to give them a tag like this when their real preference might be quite different?
 
Pertinax said:
It doesn't imply they actually 'do' anything, but it seems a case where they've been placed together without females so its a bit unfair to give them a tag like this when their real preference might be quite different?
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I agree with you. The way the article goes means I also think the zoo is just using it for a bit of publicity, particularly with the names and it being aorund valentines day. that isnt to say that their same-sex behaviour does not exist or is a pure fabrication, just the article makes me suspicious
 
Pertinax said:
It doesn't imply they actually 'do' anything, but it seems a case where they've been placed together without females so its a bit unfair to give them a tag like this when their real preference might be quite different?
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It's anthropomorphic in the extreme, but it does say:

Colin Bryan, the park’s Managing Director, said: "They have been inseparable since they got together last year, and they love to spend their time cuddling and kissing one another. They make a wonderful couple and to celebrate their first Valentine’s Day we plan to give them a special romantic meal."
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So there is 'affectionate' (inverted commas intentional!) behaviour being observed, but it's all pretty inconclusive.
 
well, yes, I took that with a pinch of salt but I guess it does mean they have got some sort of bond. Put a few females in with them and it could all change though..;)
 
I have just found and read this quite interesting and very informative thread and was reminded of reading of a Durrell rare Ploughshare? tortoise breeding centre in Madagascar. When the tortoises emerge from hibernation the males vigourously mount each other and only then reluctantly service the females. When the researchers tried to stop this behavior, the animals refused to mate at all. So they had to step back and allow the tortoises to follow their instincts which included this obviously neccessary "foreplay".
The source of this information is in a book with a Durrell foreword called "Gerald Durrells Army" by Edward Whitley, who is a nephew? of Paignton zoo's herbert. The book is a great read and follows the progress and trevails of Durrell foreign student graduates, returning to work in their home countries.
 
Mounting is a form of dominance. This can determine hierarchy and who gets access to females. This form of agnostic behavior is seen in many species - not necessarily homosexuality.
 
gerenuk said:
Mounting is a form of dominance. This can determine hierarchy and who gets access to females. This form of agnostic behavior is seen in many species - not necessarily homosexuality.
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Seemingly these tortoises were going full tilt. The researchers concern was that these animals were wasting sperm and as they were so very rare, they worried that the males would have less reserves for the actual reproductive act.
My belief was/is that the dominance mounting normally performed by other species is simulated?
 
One of the greatest things about animals, and certainly something that draws many of us to them, is that they dont judge eachother... or us, for that matter... on things such as sexual preference, race, religion, or appearance.

Shame people cant think the same:rolleyes:
 
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