Parrot Takes Underwater Adventure in Custom Submarine, Goes Viral

Most people spoil their pets with treats and toys – but one parrot has gone viral after his owner took him snorkelling in a custom-built submarine. The white-winged parakeet, named Bebe, who measures around six inches from beak to tail, has become an internet sensation after a video emerged showing him exploring under the waves. His owner, Steven Lawyer, created a custom-made, bird-sized submarine which provided a steady stream of oxygen. The 15-minute adventure saw the bird travel three feet (0.9 metres) deep amid brightly coloured coral and fish. The pet appeared relaxed and interested in his surroundings as the device bobbed beneath the surface. His owner said he was "not stressed" and enjoys going on adventures, and went into the submarine "willingly." Delighted fans have joked that "his friends are not gonna believe him," while others said he's "having the time of his life."

But others have criticised the stunt, arguing the parrot has "no business down there" and it is "the literal exact opposite place" a bird should be. Bebe the parakeet has gone viral after his owner took him snorkelling in a custom-built submarine. The clip, which was shared on Instagram four days ago, has already received more than 600,000 likes. Bebe's owner, Steve, has since made a separate video insisting that the clip was not made by AI. "It is completely authentic," he said, holding up the submarine. "This is what you saw him in in the video – this is the 'Bebesphere.'" This was a homemade contraption, extensively tested before Bebe ever went into the water with it. He explained the plastic container is "food-grade safe" and was equipped with a 3000PSI paintball air cylinder that they filled with heavily filtered air. A needle valve allowed him to control the flow rate of air going into the container, while a one-way outflow valve let air bubbles out. There were also lead weights on the outside of the container to help with buoyancy, while an oxygen meter meant his owners could monitor conditions within the cylinder.

Bebe only went down about three feet, like you see in the video, Mr Lawyer said. "He was only in this for about 15 minutes." He added: "He was fed and watered before he went in. He went in willingly. He likes doing these kinds of adventurous things with us. He was not stressed – we know what our bird looks like when he's stressed." Mr Lawyer explained that once the adventure was over, Bebe was let out and spent some time flying over the waves, before returning to his companion waiting at the shore. While many have found the clip a bit of lighthearted fun, others have expressed outrage. The Instagram account for PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) wrote: "He trusts you with his life, and you forced him underwater in a tiny container for views."

"This is so stupid and irresponsible as a pet owner," one woman said. "You think the bird enjoyed that? It probably hated it and was scared." However, another, who says she is friends with the bird's owners, commented: "Bebe is an extremely adventurous bird – he regularly goes bike riding and even skydiving with his owners, all done with loving planning and care by Steve and Cher. This isn't some reckless, one-off stunt. I understand if some people are concerned, but a short clip without context does not give the full picture." Bebe's other videos show the parakeet perching on his owner's helmet during a bike ride, hiding in a tumble drier and washing himself in a glass of water. Another user pointed out: "I have a canary winged parakeet named Pickles. Trust me, if Bebe did not want to be in there or was stressed, you WOULD see it."

"Mine freaks at everything and everything and is extremely vocal when he does not like something. You can basically read his little mind and how he feels very, very clearly. Bebe looks very healthy and happy!" Someone else said: "This is the bird equivalent of humans in space." Bebe's other videos show the parakeet perching on his owner's helmet during a bike ride, hiding in a tumble drier and washing himself in a glass of water.