Can animals be gay? Here are the top 10 species attracted to the same sex

The prize for the cruelest and stupidest owners so far goes to the American owners of a dog called Fezco. According to WCCB Charlotte, the dog's owners decided to get rid of him because they were convinced he had homosexual tendencies. The local media outlet reports that the owners were concerned that their dog was rubbing up against another male, so they took him to a shelter, explaining that they no longer wanted him.

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Homosexual relations are actually quite common among animals

In this dog's case, there was nothing homosexual about his behaviour, which is perfectly normal for his species. Like humans, some animals are heterosexual, some are homosexual and some are somewhere in between. Humans aren't the only ones to be born this way: giraffes, penguins, lions and members of other species have also been observed engaging in homosexual activity.

Same-sex mating is not only normal in the animal kingdom, it's commonplace. Studies show that around 1,500 animal species, including insects, fish, birds and mammals, practice same-sex mating. Of course, we must not project onto animals the same image we have of homosexual relations between humans.

Giraffes and bison sometimes have homosexual relations

The next time you're confronted by someone who argues that homosexuality is unnatural, calmly talk about the species below who have homosexual relationships without their fellow human beings being bothered.

Giraffes: In giraffes, there's more same-sex activity than opposite-sex activity. In fact, studies show that homosexual intercourse accounts for over 90% of sexual activity observed in giraffes.
Bison: Homosexual activity between male bisons is more common than heterosexual copulation. This is because female bison only mate with males about once a year. During the mating season, males who feel like it engage in homosexual activity several times a day.
Macaques: Female and male macaques have sexual relations. But while males usually only do so for one night, females form intense bonds with each other and are generally monogamous. In some macaque populations, homosexual behaviour among females seems not only commonplace, but the norm. When not mating, these females stay close together for sleeping and grooming, and defend each other against external enemies.
Albatrosses: The Layson's albatross, which nests in Hawaii, is known for its high number of homosexual partnerships. On the island of Oahu, approximately 30% of couples are made up of two females. They are monogamous and usually stay together for life, as it takes two parents to successfully raise a chick together. Chicks are often sired by males who are already involved in another relationship.