A cross-species love affair between a kangaroo and a pet pig kept in captivity in Australia has caught the attention of local residents.
Greg Dick, owner of rest and fuel stop the Aileron Roadhouse in the Northern Territory, told the BBC the two animals have “been in love for a while”. He said the kangaroo, which according to Northern Territory News is named “Fuck It” for his libido, has been sleeping with, cuddling and “carrying on too busy” with Apples the pig.
Their behaviour has been noted by travellers in the remote region.
“We noticed they were touchy, even when they were standing side-by-side,” Sydney resident Ryan Frazer told the BBC. “Then they were hanging out and nuzzling, and the pig jumped on the back of the kangaroo for a bit.”
He told Nothern Territory News the sight had been a bit troubling. “We were a bit stunned; I was with my boss and it was a bit awkward,” he said. “They were nudging each other then he mounted her. Then when the pig mounted the kangaroo … I’ve never seen anything like it.”
TODAY'S FRONT PAGE IS JUST CRACKLING ... ROO IN LOVE WITH PIG ... AKA "THE SWINE IS MINE" pic.twitter.com/alPeeclHVf
— The NT News (@TheNTNews) June 9, 2016
Animal behaviour scientists say this conduct is as rare as it is surprising.
Research scientist Mark Eldridge at the Australian Museum told the BBC he aware of a case where a wallaby repeatedly tried to mate with rabbits it was caged with.
Such behaviour, Eldridge said, was unusual. “You don’t often see it, but that’s because it’s an unusual situation. These are two species that are on their own, and their only option is to befriend another type of animal.”
