Parents and their children visiting the Bronx Zoo got more than they bargained for when visiting the gorilla enclosure last month. Right by the window in the wide open for all to see, one gorilla began pleasuring another orally. The reactions from parents ranged from horrified to uncontrolled laughter – while one unexpectedly got the whole thing on tape. (1)
Gorillas Engage In Oral Sex In Front Of Children At The Bronx Zoo
When we thinking of animals engaging in sexual acts, we tend to think that they do this primarily for reproductive purposes only. A matter of instincts rather than pleasure. This pair of gorillas last month at the Bronx Zoo in New York City reminded us, however, that even animals sometimes do the dirty for nothing more than pure pleasure.
Near the end of September, with plenty of children and their parents looking on, two gorillas decided then was just as good a time as any to enjoy each other’s company. Right next to the window for all to see, one gorilla began “going down” on the other.
One father was filming the gorillas with his two young daughters, while his wife was waiting outside with their sleeping son. He was simply trying to get some footage to show his wife and son later when the two began performing the act. Shocked, he continued to film because he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.
“I was shocked and had no idea that was a ‘natural’ act,” he said.
Some parents were absolutely horrified, telling their children to look away and frantically trying to rush them away from the exhibit. Others could do nothing to hold in their laughter, finding the whole thing rather hilarious. No one from the Zoo has made any comment on the video thus far.
Sex For Pleasure in The Animal Kingdom
For a long time, scientists thought that humans were the only animal species that had sex for pleasure. Upon further observations into the animal kingdom, however, we have found that this is not the case. We first noticed that animals do, in fact, experience pleasurable sensations. Stroke a cat’s head or rub a dog’s belly and you can see this immediately. The pleasure from sex, however? We now know – yes. (2)
Researchers researched this by studying instances of sexual acts in animals that couldn’t possibly result in procreation. This included sex between:
- Two males
- Two females
- Animals where at least one individual is sexually immature
- Animals outside of regular mating season
They found that there are several examples of animals who engage in sexual acts such as these.
Animals That Appear To Have Sex For Pleasure
One of the most famous animals who appear to have sex for pleasure is the Bonobo apes, also known as the “hippie apes”. They are known for same-sex interactions, interactions between adult and juvenile animals, as well as using nearly every position in the book. White capuchin monkeys also engage in sex often even when pregnancy is impossible.
Female lions, cougars, and leopards also mate an unnecessary amount for reproduction. This indicates that perhaps the giant, deadly felines actually take some pleasure from performing this act.
Scientists in Japan studied the macaque monkey thoroughly to see if female macaques experienced orgasms. This can also tell us whether or not animals experience pleasure during sex, as the female orgasm is not important for reproduction. Their observations of the monkeys as physiological changes to their heart rates and vaginas (spasms) indicate that they do.
Oral Sex In The Animal Kingdom
Finally, another way to know whether animals engage in sexual acts purely for pleasure is if they perform ones that can’t possibly result in procreation. Oral sex, as seen in the gorillas at the Bronx Zoo, is one of those acts. It has been observed in primates, spotted hyenas, goats, sheep, and even bears. Female and male lions lick and rub each other’s genitals as part of their mating rituals. Scientists have even observed oral sex acts in some types of bats.
So, the long story short is that yes – it does appear that plenty of different animal species engage in sexual acts outside of the purpose of procreation. Perhaps next time let’s hope that these hot and heavy animal couples enjoy each other’s company where they aren’t being observed by children visiting the zoo.
Keep Reading: This Zoo Becomes First Zoo In America To Go ‘Dog Friendly’
Sources
- “Gorillas shock onlookers with oral sex show at Bronx Zoo in hilarious video.” NY Post. Ben Cost. September 23, 2021.
- “Do animals have sex for pleasure?” BBC. Jason G Goldman. June 12, 2014.
