On the evening of June 5, 1995, Dutch biologist Kees Moeliker was working in his office at the Rotterdam Natural History Museum (of which he was and still is the director) when his attention was called by a sharp thud coming from the courtyard of the museum.
On the evening of June 5, 1995, Dutch biologist Kees Moeliker, then working at the Rotterdam Natural History Museum, experienced an unusual event that would later earn him international attention:
The Incident
- The Thud: At around 5:55 p.m., Kees Moeliker heard a sharp thud coming from the courtyard of the museum. Intrigued and concerned, he went to investigate the source of the noise.
- Discovery: Moeliker discovered that a male duck had flown into the glass façade of the museum and lay dead on the ground. Such incidents are not uncommon, as birds often fail to recognize glass as a barrier.
The Unusual Observation
- Unexpected Behaviour: As Moeliker observed the scene, he noticed another male duck approach the dead one. To his surprise, the live duck began to copulate with the deceased one, exhibiting what appeared to be homosexual necrophilia. This behaviour was not previously documented in scientific literature.
- Duration: The live duck's activity continued for about 75 minutes, during which Moeliker carefully documented the event. He took photographs and detailed notes, realizing the significance of the behaviour he was witnessing.
Scientific Contribution
- Documentation: Moeliker wrote a detailed paper on his observations, titled "The First Case of Homosexual Necrophilia in the Mallard Anas platyrhynchos." The paper was published in the scientific journal Deinsea in 2001.
- Impact: The publication drew significant attention both within and outside the scientific community. It opened discussions on animal behaviour, particularly on aspects that are rarely observed or considered taboo.
Recognition
- Ig Nobel Prize: In 2003, Kees Moeliker was awarded the Ig Nobel Prize in Biology for his documentation of this unusual event. The Ig Nobel Prizes honour achievements that first make people laugh and then make them think, highlighting unconventional scientific research.
Legacy
- Awareness: Moeliker’s work has contributed to a broader understanding of animal behaviour and the complexities involved. It also highlights the importance of observing and documenting even the most unexpected occurrences in nature.
- The Dead Duck Day: To commemorate the event and raise awareness about bird collisions with glass, Kees Moeliker initiated "Dead Duck Day," observed annually on June 5th. The event is marked by a short ceremony in the courtyard of the museum where the incident took place.
Conclusion
The incident that Kees Moeliker observed on June 5, 1995, serves as a reminder of the importance of curiosity and meticulous observation in scientific discovery. His documentation of the first recorded case of homosexual necrophilia in mallard ducks not only added a unique entry to the annals of animal behavior but also underscored the diverse and sometimes startling aspects of natural history.
Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model
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