Science

A Cross-Species Same-Sex Love Story

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Briefings

Scientists in Ethiopia documented repeated sexual and bonding interactions between a bull and a male donkey, marking the first confirmed same-sex love in this species pair. This finding challenges existing assumptions about species-specific mating behaviors and highlights the potential for cross-species social bonds. The study was published in November 2026 in Nautilus.

Key points

• Scientists in Ethiopia confirmed repeated sexual and bonding interactions between a bull and a male donkey, establishing the first documented same-sex love in this species pair.
• The study was published in November 2026 in Nautilus, challenging existing assumptions about species-specific mating behaviors and highlighting potential cross-species social bonds.

Context

This research addresses a long-standing biological question regarding whether same-sex attraction is exclusive to one species or can occur across different species. The discovery in Ethiopia provides empirical evidence that may reshape understanding of animal social structures and evolutionary biology.

Limitations

The evidence is limited to a single documented case in Ethiopia. The study does not establish whether this behavior is common, rare, or typical, nor does it confirm the species' capacity for same-sex love beyond this specific instance.

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