Ireland’s first gay penguins nest in Dingle
Meet Penelope and Misty - Ireland’s first (known) pair of gay penguins.
According to today’s Irish Examiner the penguins have set up a nest together in Dingle’s Oceanworld.
The Antarctic Gentoo penguins paired off in the aquarium’s polar exhibition, which is said to mirror the icy conditions of the continent these guys call home.
Gentoo penguins have a very distinctive look with a bright orange beak, white stripe over their head and pink coloured feet.
They can reach a height of between 70-90cm and are the third largest penguin species in the world.
Speaking to the Irish Examiner Oceanworld’s head penguin keeper Kate Hall said the couple are Ireland’s version of the Central Park Zoo’s famous King penguin couple of Roy and Silo.
“The ones in Central Park are icons for the gay community over there. It’s definitely not an unusual occurrence although this time it’s two females.”
“The thing penguins do to show they like each other is they bow to each other and they are doing that. When they come into breeding season, they do it to the penguins of their choice and it reinforces the bond between them.
“It is very sweet to watch,” said Ms Hall.
Hat tip: The Irish Examiner and Dingle Oceanworld.
