Editing Zoophilia (section)

== From WikiFur ==
'''Zoophilia''' is a technical term for the [[wikipedia:Sexual|sexual]] attraction of [[wikipedia:Human|humans]] to [[wikipedia:Animal|animals]].

It has been increasingly used in [[wikipedia:Mainstream|popular]] and [[wikipedia:Furry culture|furry culture]] as an alternative to the term [[bestiality]], because it stresses orientation over acts, and is usually regarded as less prejudicial. (For more information on the context and use of the technical term, see: [[Paraphilia]].)

It is a common misconception that [[Furry|furries]] are lovers of animals, and (by extension) [[zoophiles]]. It is true that a significant proportion of erotic furry artwork and stories involve beings with animal characteristics having sex with each other, or with humans, but it should be noted that the participants are usually [[wikipedia:Anthropomorphic|anthropomorphic]] beings.

While some [[Furry|furries]] are [[zoophiles]], the two terms are not synonymous. Most [[Furry|furries]] do not have any sexual interest in animals in real life, though some may roleplay otherwise in fantasy scenarios.

=== Self-identified zoophiles versus bestiality ===
Most people who identify themselves as [[zoophiles]] distinguish between zoophilia and bestiality. Though some [[zoophiles]] choose to engage in sexual contact with their animal companions, not all do. [[Zoophiles]] state that they are lovers of animals, and that sexual contact, when it is done, is an extension of a deeper emotional and perhaps spiritual relationship with the animal, similar in character to the sexual expression between human companions.

They sometimes refer to those who have [[Sexual Contact with Animals|sexual contact with animals]] without emotional bonds as "beasties." [[Zoophiles]] may draw attention to the distinction between bestiality (an act), and zoophilia (a sexual orientation), and to the view that those who have sexual contact with animals without an emotional connection are not [[zoophiles]].

Some self-identified [[zoophiles]] also use the term to refer to anyone with the kind of emotional bonds they stress as distinguishing them from bestialists, including those who have no sexual contact with or interest in animals.

An analysis of data from the [[wikipedia:Furry Survey|Furry Survey]] suggests that one in six [[Furry|furries]] self identify as [[zoophiles]].<ref name="survey">{{Cite web|author=J.M.|date=2012-02-06|title=Zoophilia in the Furry Community|url=https://www.adjectivespecies.com/2012/02/06/zoophilia-in-the-furry-community/|website=&lsqb;adjective&rsqb;&lsqb;species&rsqb;|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516022338if_/https://www.adjectivespecies.com/2012/02/06/zoophilia-in-the-furry-community/|archive-date=2019-05-16|url-status=dead|access-date=2020-08-21|df=mdy-all}}</ref>