Why are you zoo?

This essay was a response to a personal e-mail, and is included here with the author's consent. The original incoming e-mail itself follows:

Why is it, exactly, that animals appeal sexually to people? The idea repels me somewhat, but .. I don't know. It wouldn't repel me because of anything moral or religious, but it would repel me just because I would think that the animals themselves wouldn't know what was going on. They'd feel the arousal, yes, but would they really be aroused? Like a small child being sexually abused, who knows what's happening to them but isn't sure they know why or how to react, other than instinctively?

Sometimes I look at my cat, and think, "That's the most sexual creature I've ever seen." He's a beautiful, beautiful cat. If he were human, hell, maybe I'd fuck him. But he's not. And so why would the thought even cross my mind?

So. What is it, about animals -- to you specifically?

> Why is it, exactly, that animals appeal sexually to people?

It varies quite a bit from person to person. Most of us zoos have always been attracted to animals, usually from puberty or thereabouts. We may not have known it was sexual at the time, and only learned this later on. Exactly why this is so, is a matter of some debate. It may well have a root in genetics, and is as ingrained into our personalities as homosexuality or bisexuality. It isn't something that we can change, nor is it something that you can "train" or "learn" to be, any more than gays can go around "recruiting" people. You're either zoo, or you're not.

Some are attracted to animals because of their unconditional love. Humans sometimes play "head games" to get what they want; animals have no such agenda. I've never had any negative experiences with humans, myself, but I've heard many people (not just zoos), say things like, "the more I see of people, the more I like my dog." Many zoos have entered into human relationships, been hurt, and have gone back to their dogs and horses. It's safer, and for these individuals, no less satisfying. Plus, the diseases one can get from (or give to) an animal are miniscule in comparison to the various STDs humans have to deal with. (There's a FAQ on that subject at my website, if you're interested.)

Some people are attracted because, with minor exceptions, animals are completely open about their sexuality. Animals feel no shame or remorse at their nature, and it is refreshing to see a species that is so comfortable with itself. Humans see sex as something to do in private, and while I am not advocating that we "do it in the road," our sexual inhibition has led to much strife in our society. Many of us learn about sex by watching the birds and the bees, not to mention the Playboy channel, because our parents are too embarrassed to bring up the subject.

The openness of animals often leads to exploration: many children discovering their own sexual feelings may notice that animals are similarly equipped, and will "play veterinarian." This is perfectly normal and natural, though society of course keeps it under wraps. The innocent (or not so innocent) study of an animal's genitals may result in the animal being aroused, to the point of climax. From this, the child may learn that his or her own arousal has an animal counterpart, and the fact that the animal won't "tell" gives the youth a safe if very secretive outlet for his or her sexual growth. Lasting bonds are often formed this way, and there is great joy in bringing pleasure to the life of an animal who may otherwise lead a rather dull existence. The animals are rarely injured in these encounters, because, unlike humans, animals don't have this central level of "well, I trust him, so I'll let him hurt me": if an animal feels discomfort, it will move away or defend itself.

Some people are not really "attracted" to animals, but use them as a sexual outlet. To these people, animals are little more than sex objects; there is no more love between them than between any other pet and pet owner. It may be a kink or fetish: something to add a little spice to a human/human relationship, or a way for one human partner to dominate another, by "making" the other person "do it with an animal." This is defined as "bestiality." While zoophilia also may fit the _dictionary_ definition of bestiality, zoophilia adds an extra condition in that there is a genuine concern and respect for the animal's well-being: a truly loving and consensual relationship. Anyone can be a bestialist, but it takes love to be a zoo.

Contrary to popular belief, animals can and do "consent" to sexual intimacy with human beings, and they can also say no, much more firmly and blatantly than a human can. As stated above, animals have only two thought processes: "I like this and will allow it," and "I dislike this and will not allow it." Humans can, by various means, be made to tolerate things they don't like; an animal cannot. With sharp teeth, claws, hooves, powerful muscles, and millions of years of instinct, when an animal says "no," you'd better listen. It is very difficult to force an animal to do something against its will. Usually, it requires just that: force, coupled with physical restraint.

Personally, I am attracted to animals because I can no longer see myself as _not_ being attracted to them. I have accepted myself as zoo, and no longer feel shame, although I won't be shouting it from the rooftops any time soon. :) From the age of 13, I knew I was "different" somehow: I would stare at animals for long periods of time, and my gaze tended to focus on their nether regions. I kept a list of books and nature documentaries featuring mating scenes, because I was very enamored of seeing animals "au naturel."

I think animals are sexy. Just plain and simple: they turn me on in ways no human ever has. When I go to a horse show or dog show, I get...um...aroused just being in their presence. I can't help it: it's who I am. As I write this, to the left of my keyboard is a photo of a South American maned wolf, which I copied from a nature book. I could stare at that photo for hours, because the animal is so beautiful and, frankly, erotic to me. A long, silky coat, expressive eyes, alert expression; this creature radiates intelligence, playfulness, and physical beauty. There is also an exotic, forbidden nature to it: while I could never have it, because it's an endangered species, I can dream of what it might be like to hold one in my arms and exchange a tender kiss before moving on to parts south. <sigh> They do have such long tongues, you know. :)

I admire the purity of mammalian sensuality: the specific rituals, the body language, the primal scents and sounds, the unmistakeable and unabashed processes by which animals meet and mate. Human sexuality is often formalized and coded and layered in so many complex and ridiculous regulations that it becomes more a bill of lading than a ballet of love. Some of the most satisfying love-making is that which has no rules: once you get to know and trust a partner, you can follow what your bodies tell you and abandon all pretense. Animals excel at this: they know no other way. Sex with the animals is as pure and as natural as it gets.

>I would think that the animals themselves wouldn't know what was going on.
>They'd feel the arousal, yes, but would they really be aroused?

Animals are far more aware of their sexuality than humans think, and humans are _less_ self-aware than they think. Much of what we call "love" among humans is an extension of basic animal instinct: a means to improve a pairbond to ensure the survival of offspring and the safety of the "pack." Nonetheless, people who spend time with animals, and especially people who are intimate with them, can tell many a tale of animals acting almost...human...in their attempts to seduce their partners. A zoo may walk through a horse barn and have an estrous mare show him her haunches and move her tail aside. A dog may sit next to his human lover and "show pink": the tip of his penis will protrude from its sheath. Yes, animals frequently initiate the contact: it isn't a one-way street.

Beyond the obvious and often-exaggerated visible reactions to arousal, such as erection, there are also subtle changes in behavior and body chemistry which various sex research groups have known about for years. Without getting too explicit and turning you off, I can assure you that the differences between the way a human body reacts to arousal and the way an animal body (male or female) reacts are minimal in the extreme. Animals, and here I am referring to the higher mammals, which are of the primary interest to zoos, possess every piece of anatomy that is present in their human counterparts. It may be shaped differently, it may be larger or smaller in proportion to body size, it may even be in a slightly different location, but it is there, and it is functional. Female dogs and horses possess a clitoris, and stimulation thereof is very pleasing to both.

As for climax, animals of both genders do indeed experience it, and it can be incredibly powerful. The regular muscular contractions present in human females are well-duplicated by females of other species, and many zoos report that their partners seem to "glow" afterwards: there is a visible change in their appearance and demeanor. Female dogs often become extremely excited following sex, running and rolling and jumping around in what can only be described as post-coital bliss. Animals also are easily capable of experienceing multiple climaxes in short order; it is not uncommon for a human partner to be exhausted long before the animal is ready to call it quits.

Afterplay, as with humans, is a very important part of an interspecies relationship. Treating an animal like a prostitute, by getting laid, getting dressed, and getting out, is extremely confusing to the animal. Having sex with a dog and then putting it outside for the night can be traumatic for it: in its wild pack life, it would bond tightly with its partner, so denying it post-coital socialization is unnatural. Same goes for a horse or any other four-legged lover. Zoos are especially aware of the emotions of animals, and their own as well: zoos need the socialization as much as the animals do.

>Like a small child being sexually abused, who knows what's happening to them
>but isn't sure they know why or how to react, other than instinctively?

It is almost always best, when seeking a long-term animal partner, to start with a pup, foal, calf, or whatever, so as to form a life bond. It is necessary to take into account that, like humans, animals become sexually mature before they become emotionally mature. A dog, for example, depending on its breed and size, may become sexually mature as early as six months (or earlier), or as late as a year or more. Emotional maturity follows much later; another three to twelve months as a general rule. Therefore, a dog brought into one's life at eight weeks of age may not be able to replace instinct with desire for over two years. Patience is a virtue, and a pet-owning zoo must be prepared for the animal saying "no."

To be intimate with an immature animal can cause it psychological harm, for it may not yet be ready to understand what it is feeling. The goal is never to abuse or confuse the animal. It must know what is going on, or the relationship is not truly consentual.

>Sometimes I look at my cat, and think, "That's the most sexual creature
>I've ever seen." He's a beautiful, beautiful cat. If he were human, hell,
>maybe I'd fuck him. But he's not. And so why would the thought even cross
>my mind?

That's a perfectly normal reaction. Cats _are_ indeed sensual, in any size or shape. They are aloof and coy, and are with us only by choice. They ignore us, making us want them, like Mr. Spock with his legions of drooling fan-girls, who want him because they know they can't have him. Cats have expressive faces, playful demeanors, smooth lines, rounded bodies, and soft warm coats which love to be stroked. Try and resist it sometime. :) Cats move in a sleek, sliding fashion, with grace and little wasted energy: they are efficient and elegant creatures. Further, a cat's purr is a universally soothing sound, for reasons which are still open to speculation, although many suspect the rhythm and vibration (especially against one's lap or chest) resemble the prenatal heartbeat we once heard in the womb.

Amidst all this warmth, this sleekness, this outward calm, the cat is, more so than even the wolf, a wild creature. While almost any dog can be tamed, and ultimately domesticated, the cat remains independent and self-assured, no matter how many generations it is in our care. It possesses an indomitable spirit. A dog, left alone to fend for itself, will usually suffer. A cat, however, will revert to its predatory nature and make the world its own. Nine lives are just the beginning.

We are, when we pet a cat, "caressing the tiger," and there is a certain _frisson_ at the thought. What would it be like, to do more than "caress" our felines? This animal, so feral, so wild, so untamable: the lion with his strong shoulders, tawny coat, thick mane, and piercing gaze -- this Fabio of felines -- what would it be like to make love to him? To be made love to _by_ him? Could we tame a tiger, for an hour, for a night, for a lifetime? Could we become his consort? Would we survive the attempt? Would it matter if we didn't?

We often ascribe animal characteristics to humans, and feline traits are among the most common, as well as the most positively received. Who doesn't want to be considered a tiger under the bedsheets? Who wouldn't like to be the King of Beasts? We name warplanes after them: Bearcat. Hellcat. Wildcat. The Flying Tigers. We name cars after them: Jaguar. Lynx. Cougar. There is in all of these a connotation of power, yet not without direction. A controlled strength: fury kept in check by intelligence and cunning.

If my cat were human, I, too, would hop in the sack with him. To quote from a play I'm writing:

But by the gods, I want so much
To know a wild cat's feral touch.
To sense his warmth upon my skin;
To hold him close; to pull him in.
To ride upon his back, and higher;
To know the feel of lion fire.

For the record, and while they keep very, very quiet about it, I know people who have lived what I have written above. They've spent some time with the tiger, and lived to rejoice in it. "There, but for the grace of dogs, go I...."

>(Oh, and BTW: Your page is very well done, and very informative. It
>interested me in the manner it was put together.)

Thanks; I'm glad you found it of use to you. I appreciate your comments, and I look forward to your response. I'm sorry it took so long to get back to you on this, but I get a lot of e-mail and tend to take my time with the more involved replies. I hope it answers some of your questions, and I also hope it inspires further ones. :)