Wildlife officers in Sri Lanka have observed male elephants engaging in same-sex behaviours, including bonding and mounting, in what researchers describe as a natural part of elephant social life.
The sightings were reported by the Daily Mirror, which noted that such interactions were recorded in Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks. Officers explained that same-sex interactions tend to increase during months when food and water are plentiful.
“Homosexual behaviour is observed among wild elephants, with male elephants frequently engaging in same-sex bonding and mounting,” officials said.
According to the report, stronger bulls typically win the chance to mate with females, while weaker males may instead pursue same-sex connections — though wildlife experts emphasised this behaviour is simply part of elephant society rather than an aberration.
Affection and lasting bonds
Elephants are known for their complex social lives, often demonstrating affection by intertwining their trunks or grooming one another. Bonds between elephants — whether heterosexual or same-sex — can last for many years.
A recent post on X by Tamil Nadu Geography (@TNGeography) also captured footage of two male elephants “showing affection” near Gudalur in southern India.
Same-sex behaviour across the animal kingdom
Elephants join a long list of species where same-sex behaviour has been documented, including whales, penguins, sheep, and flamingos. Scientists note such behaviours can serve social, emotional, and reproductive functions in animal communities.
Legal context in Sri Lanka
While Sri Lanka’s elephants appear free to express themselves, human LGBTQ+ rights remain restricted. Same-sex relations are still criminalised in the country.
In 2023, Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court cleared the path for decriminalisation, though legislation is yet to pass. President Ranil Wickremesinghe previously said his government would not oppose the bill, introduced in 2022 by MP Premnath C Dolawatte.
Until the law is changed, queer Sri Lankans remain subject to criminal penalties — even as the nation’s wildlife demonstrates that diversity in love and bonding is simply part of nature.
