Science & Health · Research · 4 outlets (L 1 · C 1 · R 1 · 1 not rated)
Bull and male donkey form unusual bond in Ethiopia, researchers report
Researchers documented an unusual relationship between Achille, a bull, and Patroclo, a male donkey, on an Ethiopian plateau.[1, 3] The researchers had been observing monkeys in Ethiopia when they came across the pair, according to UPI.[2] Over four days, they recorded repeated mounting alongside affectionate behaviors between the two animals.[3]
Both animals had other potential partners available.[3] The Guardian reported that scientists described the bond as really unusual and said it sheds new light on social and sexual relations between animals.[1]
Scientific American reported the pairing suggests social relationships between males are more complex than previously thought.[4] The study cannot establish how long the relationship lasted, IJR reported.[3]
Covered by The Guardian, UPI, IJR and 1 more
Read first Watch: Researchers document 'unusual' relationship between bull, male donkey
How balanced is this coverage?
Of the 3 rated outlets that covered it, 1 is left of center, 1 is center and 1 is right of center (1 of them in the Right group). 1 more is not rated.
Too few left- or right-leaning outlets to compare: 1 of 42 left-leaning, 1 of 33 center and 1 of 38 right-leaning outlets covered it.
- Left: none.
- Leans left: The Guardian (−0.70).
- Center: UPI (+0.17).
- Leans right: none.
- Right: IJR (+1.52).
Not rated Scientific American. Not placed: they have no lean score.
Each dot is an outlet that covered it, placed by its audience-lean score (Eady et al. 2025), which measures who shares its links, not how accurate it is. The ticks under the line are all 113 rated outlets Tare reads.