Animal Sex - At It Again
Hi Caddyshackers
One of our most popular blogs ever was Animal Sex. We do suspect that it wasn't what some people were looking for when it coughed up in a search! Anyway, seeing as we also get so much positive feedback from our Animal Selfie dating profile emails, we thought, let's just continue to anthropomorphize animals with a part 2 edition.
Back Story
What kicked off part 2 of was a quote from the ABC in January 2024.
“Polyamorous little penguins living on Phillip Island, off Australia's southern coast, are having so much sex there are now more than 40,000 of them — and it is all thanks to climate change”.
To explain polyamory, here is a great quote from Aleks Trkulja(she/her) the Director of The Pleasure Centre, and a certified Sex, Relationships and Body Image therapist who works with all gender & sexual identities.
“Polyamory is a branch of relationship dynamics that are becoming more visible in our society. This word is used interchangeably with non-monogamy (NM) but they’re not the same. Poly usually means having multiple romantic relationships (that may or may not be sexual). And NM might look like having multiple sexual relationships. To be honest, your relationship dynamics are an expression of sexuality anyway, so it’s kind of silly to try and compartmentalise. But just so we’re clear on language, that’s the distinction I’d generally draw”
Let's revisit some animal sexual behaviours.
I think a lot of us are aware that many swan species are known for forming long-term monogamous pairs. They often mate for life and share responsibilities in raising their offspring. This devotion and loyalty in their relationships are symbolic of love and fidelity.
Male elephant seals are known for their polygamous behaviour. Dominant males gather harems of females during the breeding season and fiercely defend their territory.
Bonobos, a close relative to chimpanzees, are known for their highly social and promiscuous mating behaviour. Sexual activity is used to strengthen social bonds and resolve conflicts within the group.
Male peafowls, better known as peacocks, the female is a peahen, display elaborate and colourful plumage during courtship to attract females. The vibrant feathers play a crucial role in mate selection.
Some species of starfish can reproduce asexually by regenerating lost body parts. They can also reproduce sexually by releasing eggs and sperm into the water.
In some species of praying mantises, females may cannibalize the male after or even during copulation. This behaviour is thought to provide additional nutrients for the developing eggs.
Dragonflies engage in a unique form of copulation known as tandem coupling, where the male and female fly in tandem with the male holding onto the female's back. This can last for an extended period of time.
Clownfish are protandrous hermaphrodites, meaning they start as males and can later change into females. In a group of clownfish, the dominant individual becomes the female for reproduction.
Interesting but so what?
Animal mating behaviours can offer insights into various aspects of reproduction, social dynamics, and adaptation for humans. While not all aspects of animal mating are directly applicable to human relationships, there are some general learnings that we might like to consider.
From monogamy to polygamy, promiscuity to strict courtship rituals, animals showcase a wide range of mating systems. This diversity can emphasize that there is no one-size-fits-all model for successful relationships, and individuals may have different preferences and needs.
Many animals communicate extensively during courtship, using visual displays, vocalisations, or other behaviours. Humans can learn the importance of effective communication in expressing interest, establishing consent, and maintaining healthy relationships.
Visual displays, colourful plumage, and other physical traits play a crucial role in many animal courtship rituals. While human attraction is complex and multifaceted, the importance of physical attraction in initial interactions is a shared aspect.
Animal mating behaviors often reflect adaptations to their specific environments and ecological niches. Humans can learn from this by recognizing the importance of adapting to the cultural, social, and environmental context in which relationships develop.
Understanding the varying levels of parental investment seen in animals can highlight the importance of shared responsibilities in human relationships. Learning from species where both partners actively contribute to raising offspring can influence our views on parenting roles.
Still catching up about Emotional Labour? Read this article.
Many animals face rejection during courtship, and they display resilience by persisting or adapting their strategies. Humans can learn that rejection is a part of life, and resilience and adaptability are crucial in navigating the complexities of relationships.
Some species engage in cooperative behaviour during courtship or raising offspring. Observing such behaviour can underscore the importance of cooperation, mutual support, and teamwork in human relationships.
Animals often rely on non-verbal cues in their interactions. Humans can benefit from recognizing and understanding non-verbal and non violent communication, fostering emotional intelligence in relationships.
In certain animal species, dominance and hierarchy play a role in mate selection so understanding power dynamics and the impact of mutual respect is essential.
“Power is not something that can be assumed or discarded at will like a garment. It is intrinsic to one’s role in society and it influences every aspect of human interaction.” — The Anatomy of Power”
Animals may alter their mating behaviours based on environmental changes or population dynamics. Humans can learn the importance of adaptability and flexibility when facing challenges in relationships.
Where to from here David Attenborough?
We can learn a variety of lessons from observing animal mating behaviors, as these behaviors often reflect underlying principles of biology, psychology, and social dynamics. By gaining valuable insights into the principles of attraction, courtship, commitment, and cooperation we can help enhance our own understanding in relationships to promote healthier, more fulfilling connections.
We engage in so many different types of relationships, romantic, which can be monogamous, polyamorous and casual, platonic relationships with family and friends, professional relationships with colleagues and mentors and transactional relationships with where we network, have sex for favours or have client/service provider interactions. Digital relationships, long distance relationships, close friendships and intimate relationships. Each type of relationship serves different purposes and fulfills various needs in a person's life.
Thankfully, there are now so many books and social media accounts dedicated to all things sex positive and relationships. Check out some of our recommendations on our What We’re Reading page or follow us on socials for more info.
We leave you with an Instagram post we made for Whats On Our Mind?
Some recent experiences got us reflecting on that expansive love we have for our friends.
@aimeelouwood speaks about transformative platonic love in a BBC interview & we couldn't agree more!
That inner circle of friends where you are unapologetically your most honest, goofy, truest self. Your ride or dies, your vaults, your soulmates.
It’s time to tell them how much you love them. It’s time to normalise saying I love you to your friends.
Watch this from Matt Brown, founder of She Is Not Your Rehab.
“I have genuinely loved many men and told them countless times right throughout my barber career. Men from all different backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures from me. As they share their stories and hearts, I seek to understand and find the similarities between us. Some men I have agreed with, some I have disagreed with, I’ve laughed with some, argued with others… BUT I've always done my best to look for the sacred in him, and SPEAK to the sacred in him, until the sacred in him remembers, just who he really is. When I see HIM, I can always say genuinely: Love U Bro”
Here is a beautiful poem by Georgie Jones about making connections in possibly unexpected places.
“If I ever met ya in the nightclub loo, know that I love you and I think of you often and I’ve probably still got your bobble.” Georgie Jones
Until next time
Peace, love & protection
X
Still to come in 2024!
Get your free tickets and be part of the live online audience for upcoming On The Couch episodes. Here is the line up still to come this year!
In August, Laura Crozier from Youth Affairs Council of Victoria
In September, Dr Tessa Opie & from In Your Skin with Kerrin Bradfield.
In October Rachel Wotton with Mohammed Samrah.
In November Positive Speakers Bureau.
Register here
We have busy behind the scenes turning the webinars into podcasts which we launched in July. Have a listen on your favourite podcast app, just search On The Couch!
Until next time,
Peace, Love & Protection
x