Zookeepers separate ‘gay’ penguins so they will mate with females

Two male African penguins in the Toronto Zoo appear to be in love, but their star-crossed romance is doomed.

The Toronto Sun reports that the lovebirds, Buddy and Pedro, will be separated so they can be mated to female penguins. Zookeepers told the newspaper that they do not classify animals as straight or gay, but that Buddy and Pedro pair off with each other every night and display mating behaviors--making braying sounds and preening each other.

Fictional gay penguins in an episode of NBC's sitcom "Parks and Recreation" were married to each other in a big ceremony at the local zoo. Pedro and Buddy won't be so lucky. Zookeepers say they must be made to mate with females to help the endangered species survive.

You can watch the Toronto Star's video on the couple on their website.