Zoophilia

Bestiality & Zoosexuality

Zoophilia is a paraphilia, defined as an affinity or sexual attraction by a human to a (non-human) animal . Such individuals are called zoophiles . The more recent terms zoosexual and zoosexuality also describe the full spectrum of human/animal attraction. A separate term, bestiality (more common in mainstream usage), refers to human/animal sexual activity. To avoid confusion about the meaning of zoophilia - which may refer to the affinity/attraction, paraphilia, or sexual activity - this article uses zoophilia for the former, and zoosexual activity for the sexual act. The two terms are independent: not all sexual acts with animals are performed by zoophiles; and not all zoophiles exercise their philia.

Separate from those whose interest is curiosity, pornography, or sexual novelty, are those for whom zoophilia might be called a lifestyle or orientation. A commonly reported starting age is at or before puberty , around 9 - 11, and this seems consistent for both males and females.

Zoophilic sexual relationships vary, and may be based upon variations of human-style relationships , animal-style relationships (each make own sexual choices), physical intimacy (non-sexual touch, mutual grooming, closeness), or other combinations.