Coming like animals

The evolutionary origin of orgasm in the hominid lineage that led to Homo sapiens has given rise to numerous debates on its eventual adaptive advantages. This article takes a step sideways by exploring other branches and instances of cross-breeding in the tree of life. How do other animal species experience sexual pleasure and orgasm, with a fellow creature or … with a human? After examining the diverse representations of animal pleasure (in popular culture, art, works on artificial insemination, zoophilic pornography), the author suggests that it obliges us to reflect on the configuration and the limits of the ethical universe that we share with animals