In the latest instalment of gay penguin drama, a pair of same-sex lovebirds have stolen an egg from a straight penguin couple to raise as their own.

In most other cases of same-sex penguin couples raising chicks, the eggs have been given to them by zookeepers when a straight couple could not look after them, but these gay black-footed penguins at DierenPark Zoo Amersfoort, in the Netherlands, took matters into their own flippers.

The couple mysteriously “acquired” the egg in an opportune moment when the straight penguins left it “unguarded” and have been taking turns sitting on it to keep it warm.

Luckily, the couple they stole the egg from did not seem to mind and have since produced another egg which they will presumably be keeping a closer eye on.

Zookeeper Marc Belt told DutchNews: “The gay couple are looking after the egg very well and take turns in keeping it warm. Homosexuality is fairly common in penguins, but what makes this couple remarkable is that they have gotten hold of an egg.”

According to the zoo, it is currently hatching season for the black-footed penguins and the first chick in the colony has already been spotted with more expected soon.

The zookeeper added: “Among those new chicks we naturally hope to welcome one from the gay couple, we are waiting.”

Earlier this month is was revealed that Sphen and Magic, a gay gentoo penguin couple at the Sea Life Aquarium in Sydney, had adopted a second egg together. 

According to Sea Life, Sphen showed his love for Magic by giving him a “special stone” which is “the equivalent to proposing in the love language of penguins”.

They are currently caring for their egg in the “neatest and largest nest in the colony”, complete with a display of “ice pebbles”, after successfully raising their first baby Sphengic.