Penguins © deborahmancino
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Last week we reported on the Toronto zoo’s decision to separate two male penguins in the middle of a hot and heavy courtship in order to take advantage of their ability to breed.
As anticipated, this classic display of the notoriously aggressive and intolerant culture of Canada has sparked international outrage.
The decision to separate them — stemming from the zoo’s desire to take advantage of Buddy and Pedro’s good genes by breeding them — has sparked an outcry from commentators around the world. Reaction has included much ribald humour, including comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s reference to “Brokeback Iceberg,” but many are fiercely critical of the zoo’s decision.
It has been called unfair and heart-breaking. Others still are accusing the zoo of attempting to force the penguins into the “patriarchal sex-trade industry”.
For those who remain silent, just remember: first they came for the penguins. Who will be left to speak for you?