The Antarctic is a Lonley Place - Even for Seals, as Seal Rapes Penguin

Actual photo of seal raping penguin in Antarctica.

As reported by the BBC today, an Antarctic fur seal was observed trying to have sexual relations with a king penguin. The South African-based scientists who witnessed the incident say it is the most unusual case of mammal mating behavior yet known. The incident took place on Marion Island, lasted for 45 minutes and was caught on camera. Why the seal attempted to have sex with the penguin is unclear. But the scientists who photographed the event speculate that it was the behavior of a frustrated, sexually inexperienced young male seal.

"At first glimpse, we thought the seal was killing the penguin," said Nico de Bruyn, of the Mammal Research Institute at the University of Pretoria, South Africa . The plus-sized seal first subdued the petite penguin by lying on it. The penguin flapped its flippers and attempted to stand and escape - but to no avail. The seal then alternated between resting on the penguin, and thrusting its pelvis, trying to insert itself, unsuccessfully. After 45 minutes the seal gave up, swam into the water and then completely ignored the bird it had just assaulted, the scientists report.

Blogger's Note: In the seal's defense, Antarctica is the only continent in which Bill's Blunderful Blog has not been accessed, and thus, was probably board.