A white-winged parakeet named Bebe has captured global attention after his owner took him snorkelling in a specially constructed miniature submarine. The six-inch bird's underwater adventure, which saw him descend three feet deep among vibrant coral and fish, has ignited a fierce online debate about pet ownership and animal welfare.
The Underwater Expedition
Bebe's owner, Steven Lawyer, designed and built a custom submarine specifically for his feathered companion. Dubbed the "Bebesphere," the device is a food-grade plastic container equipped with a sophisticated air supply system. A 3000PSI paintball air cylinder, filled with heavily filtered air, provided a steady oxygen flow through a needle valve, while a one-way outflow valve released bubbles. Lead weights ensured proper buoyancy, and an oxygen meter allowed continuous monitoring of internal conditions.
Owner's Assurance of Safety
In a follow-up video, Mr Lawyer emphatically stated the footage was authentic and not generated by artificial intelligence. He detailed the extensive testing conducted before Bebe's aquatic journey. "He only went down about three feet, like you see in the video," Lawyer explained. "He was only in this for about 15 minutes. He was fed and watered before he went in. He went in willingly."
The owner emphasized that Bebe shows clear signs when stressed, and displayed none during the submarine experience. After the adventure, the parakeet was released and enjoyed flying over the waves before returning to shore.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
The Instagram video, shared four days ago and accumulating over 600,000 likes, has drawn polarized responses. Many viewers found the clip delightful and humorous, with comments like "his friends are not gonna believe him" and "he's having the time of his life." Supporters noted Bebe's apparent calm demeanor and interest in his surroundings.
However, critics have voiced strong objections. The official PETA Instagram account commented: "He trusts you with his life, and you forced him underwater in a tiny container for views." Other users called the stunt "stupid and irresponsible," questioning whether the bird truly enjoyed the experience.
Defenders Provide Context
Several commenters familiar with Bebe's lifestyle came to his defense. One friend of the owners revealed: "Bebe is an extremely adventurous bird – he regularly goes bike riding and even skydiving with his owners, all done with loving planning and care." Another parakeet owner observed: "If Bebe did not want to be in there or was stressed, you WOULD see it. Bebe looks very healthy and happy!"
Understanding White-Winged Parakeets
White-winged parakeets, also known as canary-winged parakeets, are native to South American regions including Brazil, Peru and Bolivia. Despite their predominantly green plumage, they display bright white wing patches during flight. These highly social birds form strong bonds with their owners and require substantial attention and stimulation.
As pets, they are known for their constant activity – climbing, chewing, and exploring their environment. They thrive with plenty of toys and regular out-of-cage time to prevent boredom and stress. Their adaptability has allowed them to establish wild populations beyond their native range, particularly in Puerto Rico and parts of the United States.
Bebe's Adventurous Lifestyle
This submarine adventure represents just one of Bebe's many unusual experiences. Previous videos show the parakeet perching on his owner's helmet during bicycle rides, hiding in tumble dryers, and washing himself in glasses of water. His owners describe him as particularly adventurous and accustomed to participating in various activities with them.
The debate surrounding Bebe's underwater excursion highlights broader questions about responsible pet ownership and the boundaries of animal companionship. While some see innovation and enrichment, others perceive unnecessary risk and exploitation for online attention.
