Many owners spend a fortune on toys and treats for their pets, but one parrot has made waves online after being taken snorkeling in a specially built submarine.
Bebe the Parrot, a white-winged parakeet measuring about six inches from beak to tail, became an internet sensation after a video showed his underwater adventures.
His owner, Steven Lawyer, created a small submarine, adapted for birds, which provides a steady flow of oxygen. During the 15-minute adventure, Bebe dived about 0.9 meters among coral and brightly colored fish.
The bird seemed calm and interested in its surroundings as the device bobbed gently above the surface. Steven said Bebe was not stressed and entered the submarine willingly.
Fans happily joked that "his friends wouldn't believe it" and some described it as "the best time of his life."
However, some criticized the gesture, arguing that the parrot has no place there and that it was “exactly the wrong place for a bird.” The video, posted on Instagram four days ago, has received over 600,000 likes.
After that, Steve made a separate video to clarify that the video was not created by AI. “It’s completely authentic,” he said, pointing to the submarine, which he called the “Babysphere.”
He explained that the plastic container was “food safe” and equipped with a 3000 PSI air cylinder filled with filtered air. A valve allowed for control of the air flow, while a one-way valve let out excess air.
Weights placed outside the container helped with stability, while an oxygen gauge allowed conditions inside to be monitored. “Bebe only dived about three feet (0.9 m) and stayed there for 15 minutes,” Lawyer said. He added that Bebe had been fed and hydrated before the dive and was enjoying the adventure.
After finishing, Bebe broke free and flew over the waves before returning to his friend on shore.
However, the video has also prompted strong reactions. The PETA account wrote: “He trusts you with his life, and you forced him underwater for viewing.” One woman commented: “That’s so irresponsible. Do you think the bird enjoyed it? Of course he ordered it and it got scared.”
On the other hand, friends of the owners praised Bebe as an extremely adventurous bird, regularly cycling and even skydiving, always with care and love. One user added: “If Bebe didn’t want to be there or was stressed, you would see it right away. He looks very healthy and happy.”
Other videos show Bebe climbing onto his owner's helmet during a bike ride, hiding in a clothes dryer and washing himself in a glass of water. /GazetaExpress/
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