*WHOOPS*-Boston swans ("Romeo and Juliet") are same sex

[underpants]

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Science/story?id=1034434&page=1

Aug. 13, 2005 — Boston sure loves its swans.

Each spring when they return to the Public Garden the Mayor leads a grand parade and hundreds of kids arrived dressed as swans and ducks. They even nicknamed one swan duo that each never leaves the other's side "Romeo and Juliet."

Only, it turns out neither swan is Romeo — they are both female.

This happy same-sex couple exhibits all the behaviors of two heterosexual swans that have mated for life, said Dr. Frank Beall, general curator Zoo New England, where the swans live in the fall and winter.

[Tsiyu]

1. See how those Massachussetts liberals are corrupting our birds???

...sorry, Rick Santorum moment...

What a sweet story!

[never_get_over_it]

2. Quiick PLEASE

Get them to the nearest right wing fundie deprograming facility. I just know they can be turned around and live the Godly heterosexual swan life! Maybe we should start a paypal account to raise funds for their treatment

[AuntieM1957]

3. What's in a name?

were they aptly named as Romeo and Juliet?

Likely not, since they've stayed together without murder-suicide!

Frankly, who wouldn't be happy to have anyone willing and happy to "never leave their side".

I say go swans!

[LizW]

4. No plans for any forced mating, thank goodness

"Some...are calling for the city to buy 'real Romeos,' male swans for the girls.

As of now, the Parks Department plans to do no such thing.

'Swans do mate for life,' Beall said. 'If you introduce a male at this point, he will likely be driven off.'"

:)