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A Skeptical Look at Necrophilia

February 10, 2020 @ 7:15 pm - 9:00 pm

Free
Necrophilia event poster

Come join us for the perfect Valentine’s warm-up ❤

In 1995 dutch biologist Kees Moeliker was sitting in his office when he heard the thud of a bird hitting the glass wall of his building. Upon inspection, he discovered a male mallard duck lying dead on the ground. As he watched, a second living duck appeared, poked around the body for a moment, before copulating with it for 75 minutes. Moeliker had recorded the first known instance of Necrophilia in mallard ducks, and in 2003 he was awarded an Ig Nobel Prize for Biology. The incident is now remembered every year at Rotterdam Natural History Museum, on what has become known as Dead Duck Day.

And it isn’t just ducks that have been observed exhibiting this behaviour. Necrophilia has been seen in many species of animals including dogs, cats, otters, sea lions and humpback whales. And of course, humans… But what is Necrophilia? How is it defined? Why do animals do it? Why might a person do it? And why is it so reviled?

Come join us as we take a skeptical and entertaining look at the world of necrophilia. Discussing its zoology, humanity and philosophy, as well as its appearance in history, its existence in humans and its surprising role in our modern culture…

About the speaker:
James Williams is a storyteller, science communicator and skeptic based in Bristol who specialises in critically discussing dark and taboo topics with humour and irreverence. An enthusiastic humanist and scientific skeptic, he cares deeply about science, education, critical thinking and social justice. His series of talks on taboos have appeared in venues across the country and covers other taboo topics such as cannibalism and bestiality.

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Drop-in event. No ticket required, just show up!
Doors at 7.15, kickoff at 7.30
Over 18s only
This is event is free to attend, although we will be asking for donations at the end of the talk. Participants are under no obligation whatsoever to donate, however please rest assured that the money we collect doesn’t end up in anyone’s pocket – it is used to fund our overhead costs, and travel/accommodation for our speakers who come from further afield.
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Accessibility: As per the policy of the Admiral Bar, access to the venue “can only be provided to patrons who are sufficiently mobile and capable of independently evacuating premises, or with the minimum of assistance”. Unfortunately, this leaves the basement inaccessible to most wheelchair users.

Details

Date:
February 10, 2020
Time:
7:15 pm - 9:00 pm
Cost:
Free
Website:
https://www.facebook.com/events/480219136021525/

Venue

The Admiral Bar
72a Waterloo Street
Glasgow, G2 7DA United Kingdom
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