The Most Impressive Clitorides in the Animal Kingdom
Photo by Wynand Uys via Unsplash
Listen— there is already a lot to appreciate about the human clitoris. From its nerve-dense head (approximately 8,000 endings!), to the way the majority of this organ is hidden from plain view within the vulva region, to the fact that the clitoris continues to grow throughout its lifespan— there really isn’t much we could think of that makes this pleasure center much better.
However, the animal kingdom is full of different clitorides (yes, that’s clitoris in the plural!), and so we couldn’t not share with you a few of the ones we find especially impressive.
Dolphins
The bottlenose dolphin is very likely to have sex for pleasure, and research says that the location of the clitoris is one indication!
In a recent study, it was shown that a dolphin's clitoris is positioned in a much more optimal location. Says Dara Orbach, Ph.D.: "In dolphins, the clitoris is positioned at the entrance of the vaginal opening and in direct contact with the penis during copulation. The location of the clitoris near the vaginal opening indicates it can potentially be easily stimulated."
In short: there isn't the exact scientific confirmation yet to say that dolphins are having sex for pleasure because of their capacity for orgasms... but with a clitoris designed specifically for them, we're willing to say that the odds are looking pretty good.
Hyena
The spotted hyena’s clitoris is not only incredibly large (protruding about 7 inches away from their bodies), but also contains the birth canal—meaning that during birth, the hyena pushes their cubs through the opening of their clitoris.
This can often be fatal for hyenas during birth, especially for first-timers who are delivering their cubs. However, the “pseudo-penis” (as it’s become commonly known) is majorly impressive as a sexual organ.
Bonobo Chimpanzee
Bonobos, in general, are highly sexual mammals— and those with clitorises are no exception. Bonobo vulvas are positioned on the front of the body, making it easy to stimulate, and also contributing to interesting rituals among bonobos with vulvas. Whether it’s during greeting, bonding, or to diffuse tension among various neighboring groups of chimps, bonobos with vulvas will use the frontal positioning of the clitoris to rub against one another (called genito-genital rubbing).
Researchers also note that the rubbing comes along with a lot of joyful facial expressions (to which we say we’re not surprised).
Blue Whale
We all know that size doesn’t really matter, but it also felt important to note that the blue whale has the largest clitoris on record out of all mammals. At 3 feet long, there is a lot to potentially pleasure (though research is sparse when it comes to determining whether whales may have sex for pleasure or not).