Gay penguin couple adopt egg and decide to hatch it

The world of animals never ceases to amaze us. Just when we think we already know everything about the behavior and habits of animals, we discover a new story. But we’re not just talking about dogs, cats or other domestic animals, we’re talking about species that don’t usually create such strong bonds with humans and that, when we least expect it, show that they are more sensitive than many of us.

Today the awesome.club brings the story of a couple of male penguins that adopted and started to hatch an egg abandoned by a female.

Homosexual couples in the wild are more common than we might think. Examples can be found in many species. The bonobo, for example, is the primate most similar to humans (it shares 98% of its DNA with us) and could be considered a bisexual species. But the story of Skipper and Ping, 2 male penguins from the Berlin Zoo, does not draw attention because they are a gay couple, but because they are a gay couple who have a strong need to procreate.

Penguins are well known for their monogamy and fidelity: relationships end only with the death of one of the members. And that’s not all: a couple of penguins are practically inseparable. Couples usually spend a lot of time together and do almost everything together. Also, usually the female lays the egg and the male is responsible for hatching it.

Skipper and Ping have been together since they met. According to the creators, they were always very passionate about each other. In their relationship, fidelity has the same strength as in any couple composed of a female and a male. The bond is so strong that they developed a need to breed and started showing signs of it. For a while, the 2 started to hit some stones and even hit a dead fish. Zoo staff realized what was happening and decided to give them an opportunity to explore this dream.

Skipper and Ping received an egg that had been abandoned by a female. Employees were anxious to see what the couple’s reaction would be, as the possibility that they would refuse the egg was not ruled out. However, not only did they welcome the egg “with open arms”, they also decided to take turns hatching it.

It is not yet known what the result will be and whether or not a new penguin will be born, but expectations are high, as the couple is very responsible and motivated. Everything indicates that thanks to the love of Skipper and Ping, the Berlin Zoo will soon receive another puppy.

Did you know that homosexuality is very natural in different species of animals? Do you know of any other stories of same-sex foster parents in the animal kingdom? And what else do you know about the world of penguins? Share in the comments.