Researchers Document Bull-Donkey Sexual Bond in Ethiopia

Researchers documented a recurring sexual and social relationship between Achille, a bull, and Patroclo, a male donkey, on an Ethiopian plateau. The animals repeatedly stayed close, engaged in mounting, and showed affiliative behaviors such as licking, rubbing and nuzzling, despite access to other potential partners. Patroclo accepted Achille’s advances but reportedly avoided or acted aggressively toward other males, suggesting the bond was selective and reciprocal. The researchers say the observations add to evidence that same-sex sexual behavior occurs across many animal species and may help sustain social relationships, though the brief observation period limits conclusions about how long this particular bond lasted.