The video, which has garnered widespread attention on social media, features Bebe, a white-winged parakeet, exploring underwater in a homemade submarine. According to major media reports, the adventure lasted 15 minutes, with the bird traveling three feet (0.9 meters) deep amid coral and fish.
The submarine was created by Bebe's owner, Steven Lawyer, who built the custom-made, bird-sized vessel from a food-grade plastic container. It was equipped with a 3000PSI paintball air cylinder filled with filtered air, a needle valve for air flow control, a one-way outflow valve, lead weights for buoyancy, and an oxygen meter. Lawyer stated that the submarine was extensively tested before Bebe ever went into the water with it. "It is completely authentic. 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," Lawyer said on social media.
It is completely authentic. 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.
Lawyer, who described Bebe as his buddy, said the bird went into the submarine willingly and was not stressed. "He is my buddy, we do everything together," Lawyer told the Washington Post. After the snorkeling trip, Bebe was let out and flew over the waves before returning to his owner. A friend of Lawyer commented that Bebe is an extremely adventurous bird, noting that the parrot is already used to jumping tandem parachute.
However, the stunt drew criticism from animal rights group PETA, which stated that the owner forced the bird underwater in a tiny container for views. "He trusts you with his life, and you forced him underwater in a tiny container for views," PETA said on social media. Some viewers also criticized the stunt, saying the bird had no business underwater and was likely scared.
He trusts you with his life, and you forced him underwater in a tiny container for views.
It remains unclear what specific safety measures were taken to ensure the bird's well-being during the submarine ride, and whether Bebe has undergone any veterinary check-ups after the adventure. The exact location of the snorkeling event has not been disclosed.
He is my buddy, we do everything together.