The Queer Kingdom: For the love of the Zoo

It was a cloudy Wednesday morning at Sunnyside Zoo when the interns gathered for their first animal behavior lecture. Dr. Susan Patel, the lead zoologist, stood in front of a whiteboard scribbled with diagrams of penguins, giraffes, and geese. “Today,” she began, “we’re going to talk about a topic that isn’t often covered in textbooks but is just as important: the queerness of the animal kingdom.”

The interns exchanged curious glances. Megan, a second-year biology major, raised her hand. “Wait, like… animals being gay?”

“Exactly,” Dr. Patel replied. “But not just gay. Animals can display all kinds of sexual and romantic behaviors that fall outside the human idea of ‘normal.’ And as zookeepers and scientists, it’s our job to understand and respect that.”

The first stop on the zoo tour was the penguin exhibit. Dr. Patel gestured toward a pair of male African penguins, Emmett and Louie, who were diligently guarding an egg.

“Emmett and Louie have been a couple for three years,” she explained. “Penguins are known for forming strong, monogamous bonds, and same-sex pairs are common. These two adopted an abandoned egg last year and raised a healthy chick together.”

Megan peered at the penguins, who were nuzzling each other affectionately. “Wait, so… they’re basically gay dads?”

“Exactly,” Dr. Patel said. “Gay penguins have been documented in zoos and the wild. They’re great parents and often take over eggs that might not otherwise survive.”

Jason, another intern, frowned. “But why would animals evolve to do that? Doesn’t it, like, go against reproduction?”

Dr. Patel smiled. “Good question. Same-sex bonding can actually benefit a species. By adopting or caring for others’ offspring, these pairs ensure more young survive. Plus, social bonds strengthen the group as a whole. Evolution isn’t just about individual reproduction—it’s about survival of the entire species.”

Next, they stopped by the geese enclosure. A pair of male geese, Benny and Clive, were performing what looked like a synchronized dance near the water’s edge.

“Benny and Clive are bonded for life,” Dr. Patel said. “Geese, like many birds, mate for life, and same-sex pairs are no exception. In fact, geese like these often defend their nests together, which increases the survival rate of their eggs—whether they’re biologically theirs or not.”

Megan grinned. “So they’re like the guardians of the goose world?”

“Exactly,” Dr. Patel said. “And their relationship isn’t just about survival. Animals experience companionship and love, too. It’s not all instinct—there’s a deeper connection here.”

As they continued through the zoo, Dr. Patel pointed out other examples. Two female giraffes were grooming each other in the savanna exhibit. “Tallulah and Grace engage in what we call ‘necking.’ It’s not just a dominance behavior—it’s also a form of affection and bonding.”

In the lion enclosure, a pair of male lions, Mufasa and Kovu, were lying in the sun, their manes brushing as they slept side by side. “Male lions often form coalitions, and in many cases, these partnerships are romantic as well as practical. It strengthens their hold on a territory.”

By the time they reached the flamingo exhibit, the interns were buzzing with questions. Flamingos in flamboyant pink feathers stood in same-sex pairs, preening each other’s wings.

“Flamingos are fascinating,” Dr. Patel said. “In large colonies, same-sex pairs are just as common as opposite-sex pairs. They form strong bonds and are often more successful at raising chicks because they share parenting duties equally.”

During lunch, the interns gathered around a picnic table, their heads spinning with new information. “I had no idea animals could be queer,” Jason admitted, poking at his sandwich.

“It’s amazing,” Megan said. “It’s like… nature’s way of saying love is love, no matter what.”

Dr. Patel joined them, a cup of coffee in hand. “That’s exactly right. For too long, human biases have shaped how we interpret animal behavior. But when we look closer, we see that diversity is everywhere—in ecosystems, in species, and in love. It’s all natural.”

The day ended with a reflection exercise. Each intern was asked to write down one thing they’d learned. Megan wrote: Queerness isn’t just a human thing. It’s a part of nature.

Jason wrote: Love and survival come in all forms.

As they handed in their papers, Dr. Patel smiled. Her goal wasn’t just to teach her interns about animals—it was to help them see that the natural world, in all its diversity, could teach humans a thing or two about acceptance.