"of bestiality is partly caused by irrational speciesism and anthropocentrism. Because interspecies sex occurs in nature, and because humans ""are"" animals, supporters argue that zoosexual activity is not ""unnatural"" and is not intrinsically wrong. Research has proven that non-human animals can and do have sex for non-reproductive purposes (and for pleasure). In 2006, a Danish Animal Ethics Council report concluded that ethically performed zoosexual activity is capable of providing a positive experience for all participants, and that some non-human animals are sexually attracted to humans (for example, dolphins). Some zoophiles claim that they are not abusive towards animals: ""In other"
"have been documented only in captivity where they are known to masturbate one another with their trunks. Animals of several species are documented as engaging in both autofellatio and oral sex. Although easily confused by laypeople, autofellatio and oral sex are separate, sexually oriented behaviors, distinct from non-sexual grooming or the investigation of scents. Auto-fellatio or oral sex in animals is documented in fruit flies, spiders, (Darwin's bark and widow) brown bears, stump-tailed macaques, Tibetan macaques, wolves, goats, primates, hyenas, bats, cape ground squirrels and sheep (see section Masturbation for details). In the greater short-nosed fruit bat, copulation by males"
"have been seen to interact homosexually. Male lions pair-bond for a number of days and initiate homosexual activity with affectionate nuzzling and caressing, leading to mounting and thrusting. About 8% of mountings have been observed to occur with other males. Pairings between females are held to be fairly common in captivity but have not been observed in the wild. European polecats ""Mustela putorius"" were found to engage homosexually with non-sibling animals. Exclusive homosexuality with mounting and anal penetration in this solitary species serves no apparent adaptive function. Bonobos, which have a matriarchal society, unusual among apes, are a fully bisexual"
"groups during the day while looking for food, and then will come back together to sleep. They sleep in nests that they construct in trees. Sexual activity generally plays a major role in bonobo society, being used as what some scientists perceive as a greeting, a means of forming social bonds, a means of conflict resolution, and postconflict reconciliation. Bonobos are the only non-human animal to have been observed engaging in tongue kissing. Bonobos and humans are the only primates to typically engage in face-to-face genital sex, although a pair of western gorillas has been photographed in this position. Bonobos"
"animals. Pizzles are represented in heraldry, where the adjective ""pizzled"" (or ""vilené"") indicates that part of an animate charge's anatomy, especially if coloured differently. Penis A penis (plural ""penises"" or ""penes"" ) is the primary sexual organ that male animals use to inseminate sexually receptive mates (usually females and hermaphrodites) during copulation. Such organs occur in many animals, both vertebrate and invertebrate, but males do not bear a penis in every animal species, and in those species in which the male does bear a so-called penis, the penes in the various species are not necessarily homologous. For example, the penis"
"form of genital stimulation is masturbation. Masturbation is widespread throughout mammals for both males and females. It is less common in birds. There are several techniques, in which animals engage in masturbation from using paws, feet, flippers, tails, and sometimes using objects like sticks, pebbles, and leaves. Masturbation occurs more often in primate species with large testes relative to their body size. Anal penetration with the penis (both in heterosexual and male homosexual dyads) has been observed among some primate species. Male homosexual anal penetration has been recorded in Old World primate species, including gorillas, orangutans, and some members of"
"or affective factors in others. While human sexuality is well understood, scientists do not completely grasp how other animals relate sexually. However, current research studies suggest that many animals, like humans, enjoy sexual relations that are not limited to reproduction. Dolphins and bonobos, for example, are both well known to use sex as a ""social tool to strengthen and maintain bonds."" Ethologists have long documented the exchanges of sex to promote group cohesion in social animals. Cementing social bondage is one of the most prominent theorized selective advantages of group selection theory. Experts in the evolution of sex such as"
"with the exception of species that never have sex at all, such as sea urchins and aphis. Moreover, a part of the animal kingdom is hermaphroditic, truly bisexual. For them, homosexuality is not an issue. An example of overlooking homosexual behavior is noted by Bagemihl describing mating giraffes where nine out of ten pairings occur between males: Every male that sniffed a female was reported as sex, while anal intercourse with orgasm between males was only ""revolving around"" dominance, competition or greetings. Some researchers believe this behavior to have its origin in male social organization and social dominance, similar to"
"common themes, such as prohibition of adultery. Reproductive sexual intercourse between non-human animals is more often called ""copulation"", and sperm may be introduced into the female's reproductive tract in non-vaginal ways among the animals, such as by cloacal copulation. For most non-human mammals, mating and copulation occur at the point of estrus (the most fertile period of time in the female's reproductive cycle), which increases the chances of successful impregnation. However, bonobos, dolphins and chimpanzees are known to engage in sexual intercourse regardless of whether or not the female is in estrus, and to engage in sex acts with same-sex"
"mammals (rodents, canines, felines, bovines, and equines), the anatomy of the reproductive organs and some circuits of the nervous system are specifically organized for heterosexual copulation. On the other hand, human sexual intercourse stems from a change in biological factors that controls the copulation of mammals, and is mainly learned. Spiders are often confused with insects, but they are not insects; instead, they are arachnids. Spiders have separate male and female sexes. Before mating and copulation, the male spider spins a small web and ejaculates on to it. He then stores the sperm in reservoirs on his large pedipalps, from"
"animal kingdom turn to sexual activity as a way to solve a disagreement. Bonobos are one species notoriously known for using sexual behavior to relieve their aggression with each other. Sex is part of bonobo’s daily routine and social life. Unlike other primates aggression is substituted with sex. Sexual activity in bonobos is very high, yet the rate of reproduction is the same as a chimpanzee. In a study concentrated on primate aggression, researchers wanted to observe primates in conflict. How primates coped and resolved conflicts was a main concern in this study. Researchers stated that after primates participated in"
"carnassials showed a similar trend to the canines. A predator's largest prey size is strongly influenced by its biomechanical limits. The difference between the male and female of a species apart from their sex organs is called sexual dimorphism. An example is the male lion, which compared with the female lion possesses a mane, larger size, larger upper canines, and operates in a group of no more than two or three. There is little variance among male and female canids. Canids tend to live as monogamous pairs, and wolves, dholes, and jackals also along with their offspring. Wolves may live"
"the opportunity to breed with members of the opposite sex, they pick the same sex. Some of these species are gazelles, antelope, bison, and sage grouse. In some cases, animals will choose to engage in sexual activity with different sexes at different times in their lives, and will sometimes engage in sexual activity with different sexes at random. Same-sex sexual activity can also be seasonal in some animals, like male walruses who often engage in same-sex sexual activity with each other outside of the breeding season and will revert to heterosexual sexual activity during breeding season. Bisexuality Bisexuality is romantic"
"and hyenas, according to Ploss and Bartels, have been seen practicing mutual masturbation by licking each other's genitals. In his 1999 book, ""Biological exuberance"", Bruce Bagemihl documents that: and that: Apes and Monkeys use a variety of objects to masturbate with and even deliberately create implements for sexual stimulation ... often in highly creative ways. David Linden, professor of neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University, remarks that: ... perhaps the most creative form of animal masturbation is that of the male bottlenose dolphin, which has been observed to wrap a live, wriggling eel around its penis. Among elephants, female same-sex behaviours"
"and mammals, monkeys, and the great apes. As of 1999, the scientific literature contained reports of homosexual behavior in at least 471 wild species. Organisers of the Against Nature? exhibit stated that ""homosexuality has been observed among 1,500 species, and that in 500 of those it is well documented."" To turn the approach on its head: No species has been found in which homosexual behaviour has not been shown to exist, with the exception of species that never have sex at all, such as sea urchins and aphis. Moreover, a part of the animal kingdom is hermaphroditic, truly bisexual. For"
"variety of acts to show affection such as African elephants intertwining their trunks, giraffes engaging in “necking”, and Hanuman langurs cuddling with each other in a front to back sitting position. Non-penetrative genital stimulation is very common throughout the animal kingdom. Different forms of self and partner genital stimulation have been observed in the animal kingdom. Oral sex has been observed throughout the animal kingdom, from dolphins to primates. Bonobos have been observed to transition from a simple demonstration of affection to non-penetrative genital stimulation. Animals perform oral sex by licking, sucking or nuzzling the genitals of their partner. Another"
"become aroused by a specific species (such as horses), some zoophiles become aroused by multiple species (which may or may not include humans), and some zoophiles are not attracted to humans at all. Researchers who observed a monkey trying to mate with a deer in 2017 (interspecies sex) said that it may provide clues into why humans have interspecies sex. Instances of this behavior have been found in the Bible. In a cave painting from at least 8000 BC in the Northern Italian Val Camonica a man is shown about to penetrate an animal. Raymond Christinger interprets that as a"
"copulation. Thus, through the coordination of hormones, pheromones and sexual reflexes, there is a true reproductive behavior in non-primate mammals. In the case of mammals with a highly developed brain (chimpanzee, bonobo, Orangutans, and dolphins), the cerebral structure has evolved. As a result of these evolved differences, the human intercourse depends on another type of neurobiological control: Thus, the functional dynamics of the copulation behavior has been modified in hominids: the reproductive behavior becomes an erotic behavior. Vaginal coitus is still practiced in humans, but it is no longer a reflex motor activity, guided by pheromones and controlled by hormones."
"of amniotes. All male mammals have a penis. Insectivores, bats, rodents, carnivorans, and most primates (but not humans) have a bone called the baculum or ""os penis"" that permanently stiffens the penis. During copulation, blood engorges the already-stiff penis resulting in a full erection. Monotreme penes are variously unusual; the platypus has a penis with a two-lobed (bifid) tip though the whole shaft is inserted in mating, possibly to engage both of the uterine branches, but the echidna's penis actually has four heads, only two of which function at a time. Both monotremes and marsupial moles are the only mammals"
"Animal sexual behaviour Animal sexual behaviour takes many different forms, including within the same species. Common mating or reproductively motivated systems include monogamy, polygyny, polyandry, polygamy and promiscuity. Other sexual behaviour may be reproductively motivated (e.g. sex apparently due to duress or coercion and situational sexual behaviour) or non-reproductively motivated (e.g. interspecific sexuality, sexual arousal from objects or places, sex with dead animals, homosexual sexual behaviour, and bisexual sexual behaviour). When animal sexual behaviour is reproductively motivated, it is often termed ""mating"" or ""copulation""; for most non-human mammals, mating and copulation occur at oestrus (the most fertile period in the"
"in her reproductive cycle suitable for successful impregnation. These species are also known to engage in same-sex sexual behaviors. In these animals, the use of sexual intercourse has evolved beyond reproduction to apparently serve additional social functions (such as bonding). Sexual intercourse Sexual intercourse (or coitus or copulation) is principally the insertion and thrusting of the penis, usually when erect, into the vagina for sexual pleasure, reproduction, or both. This is also known as vaginal intercourse or vaginal sex. Other forms of penetrative sexual intercourse include anal sex (penetration of the anus by the penis), oral sex (penetration of the"
"partners. Like humans engaging in sexual activity primarily for pleasure, this behavior in these animals is also presumed to be for pleasure, and a contributing factor to strengthening their social bonds. ""Sexual intercourse"" may be called ""coitus"", ""copulation"", ""coition"", or ""intercourse"" (the last of which is typically shorthand for ""sexual intercourse""). ""Coitus"" is derived from the Latin word ""coitio"" or ""coire"", meaning ""a coming together or joining together"" or ""to go together"", and is known under different ancient Latin names for a variety of sexual activities, but usually denotes penile–vaginal penetration. This is often called ""vaginal intercourse"" or ""vaginal sex."""
"some mammal and some non-mammal species, such as alligators, have clitorises. There has been ongoing research about the sexuality and orgasms of dolphins, a species which apparently engages in sexual intercourse for reasons other than procreation. The duration of orgasm varies considerably among different mammal species. Orgasm Orgasm (from Greek ὀργασμός ""orgasmos"" ""excitement, swelling""; also sexual climax) is the sudden discharge of accumulated sexual excitement during the sexual response cycle, resulting in rhythmic muscular contractions in the pelvic region characterized by sexual pleasure. Experienced by males and females, orgasms are controlled by the involuntary or autonomic nervous system. They are"
"disinclined to eat the food. Engagements of sexual activities during non-breeding seasons have been observed in the animal kingdom. Dolphins and Japanese macaques are two of the many species that engage in sexual activities that do not lead to fertilization. Great varieties of non-copulatory mounting are expressed in several species. Male lions engage in mounting with other male lions, especially when in search for another pride. The varieties of mounting include mounting without erections, mounting with erection but no penetration, and mounting from the side. Expressions of affection are displayed in the animal kingdom as well. Affectionate behaviors do not"
"""behavioural transvestites"", which are not known to engage in homosexual behaviour. Male-male copulation has been observed in captive penguins and homosexual behaviour has been observed among bats, in particular, the fruit bat. Homosexual pair-bonding can be established several ways; two of the main ways are pair bonding as partners or as companions. As partners, both animals will engage in sexual activities with each other. In companions bonding, sexual engagement is not necessary in the relationship. This form of homosexuality is more of a partnership and friendship; they spend all their time together. More than 70 species of birds engage in"
"species, and is diploid, but not hermaphroditic. It can have triploid and tetraploid forms, including all-female forms that reproduce mainly through hybridogenesis. There is a range of behaviours that animals perform which appear to be sexually motivated but which can not result in reproduction. These include: Seahorses, once considered to be monogamous species with pairs mating for life, were described in a 2007 study as ""promiscuous, flighty, and more than a little bit gay"". Scientists at 15 aquaria studied 90 seahorses of three species. Of 3,168 sexual encounters, 37% were same-sex acts. Flirting was common (up to 25 potential partners"
"that many animals, both male and female, masturbate, both when partners are available and otherwise. For example, it has been observed in cats, dogs, male deer, rhinoceroses, boars, and male monkeys. A review from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine says: [The] behavior known within the horse breeding industry as ""masturbation"" ... involves normal periodic erections and penile movements. This behavior, both from the descriptive field studies cited above and in extensive study of domestic horses, is now understood as normal, frequent behavior of male equids. Attempting to inhibit or punish masturbation, for example by tying a brush"
"In most birds, both excretion and reproduction is done through a single posterior opening, called the cloaca—male and female birds touch cloaca to transfer sperm, a process called ""cloacal kissing"". In many other terrestrial animals, males use specialized sex organs to assist the transport of sperm—these male sex organs are called intromittent organs. In humans and other mammals this male organ is the penis, which enters the female reproductive tract (called the vagina) to achieve insemination—a process called sexual intercourse. The penis contains a tube through which semen (a fluid containing sperm) travels. In female mammals the vagina connects with"
"direct tract for elimination and reproduction in both of the sexes [10]. Certain bird species, such as the ratites, screamers, waterfowl, and cracids (a family of arboreal galliformes) exhibit a phallus in males. A notable example of a bird with a pseudo-penis is the red-billed buffalo weaver, which do not use their pseudo-penis for direct insertion during copulation; however it does play a part in successful mating and stimulation. Similarly to the red-billed buffalo weaver, the cassowary, a ratite, exhibits a pseudo-penis in both males and females. The male’s pseudo-phallus is used to “invaginate”, or to push the female’s pseudo-phallus"
"acts of affection. There have also been observations of animals engaging in homosexual behaviors, as well as sex with dead animals and sex involving juveniles. Lions are known to engage in sex to create bonds and interact with each other. Lions live in a social group known as a pride that consists of 2–18 females and 1–7 males. The females found in these prides were born into the pride. The males enter the pride from other prides. The success of reproduction for each individual lion is dependent on the number of male lions found in their social group. Male lions"
"two tips). Due to being everted and inverted, hemipenes do not have a completely enclosed channel for the conduction of sperm, but rather a seminal groove that seals as the erectile tissue expands. This is also the only reptile group in which both viviparous and ovoviviparous species are found, as well as the usual oviparous reptiles. Some species, such as the Komodo dragon, can reproduce asexually through parthenogenesis. There have been studies on how sexual selection manifests itself in snakes and lizards. Snakes use a variety of tactics in acquiring mates. Ritual combat between males for the females they want"
"of sexual activity being nonreproductive, as being sexually active does not necessarily correlate with their ovulation cycles. Sexual activity occurs between almost all ages and sexes of bonobo societies. Primatologist Frans de Waal believes that bonobos use sexual activity to resolve conflict between individuals. Immature bonobos, contrariwise, perform genital contact when relaxed. Macaque Similar same-sex sexual behaviours occur in both male and female macaques. It is thought to be done for pleasure as an erect male mounts and thrusts upon or into another male. Sexual receptivity can also be indicated by red faces and shrieking. Mutual ejaculation after a combination"
"brushing of their own bodies, or the grooming of others. Through licking and brushing, animals such as the red squirrel clean wounds and remove dirt and debris from their bodies, also aiding in hygiene. Other physical purposes for comfort behaviours includes reduction in heart rates as seen in horses, and thermoregulation. There are reproductive purposes for comfort behaviours in several types of animals. It is necessary in the search for mating partners in animals such as the wren, where reciprocal and continued preening is involved in mating. Similarly, in chickens, dust bathing occurs as female sexual behaviour. During gestation, grooming"