A six-year-old white-winged parakeet named Bebe recently became an unlikely pioneer of the deep, embarking on a parrot goes on underwater adventure in his custom-built submarine that has captured the attention of millions online. Whereas most birds avoid the ocean, Bebe spent 15 minutes submerged in the calm waters of a Bahamian harbor on March 24, observing coral reefs and parrotfish from the safety of a pressurized vessel.
The expedition was the brainchild of Steven Lawyer, a 60-year-old Iowa resident and former physics student at Iowa State University. To facilitate the dive, Lawyer engineered a makeshift submersible he dubbed the “Bebosphere,” utilizing a plastic food container paired with a paintball air tank. The device included specialized valves for airflow and an oxygen meter equipped with an alarm to ensure the bird’s safety during the descent.
The footage of the dive, shared on Instagram on April 4, quickly went viral, amassing more than 4.3 million views and eventually appearing on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.” However, the unconventional nature of the trip sparked a polarized reaction among viewers, with some praising the bond between the pair and others questioning the ethics of placing a bird in an aquatic environment.
Engineering the Bebosphere
Lawyer’s approach to the underwater journey was rooted in gradual acclimation. Before heading to the Bahamas, Bebe practiced his diving skills in a sink at home. Lawyer monitored the bird for typical avian distress signals—such as wing tightening, burying his head, or frantic chirping—and concluded that Bebe was not only comfortable but curious.
The technical specifications of the Bebosphere were designed to keep the 2.4-ounce bird dry and oxygenated while allowing a clear view of the Atlantic. During the actual dive, the vessel reached a depth of approximately three feet, while Lawyer snorkeled alongside his companion to maintain constant supervision.
Cher Quinn, Lawyer’s girlfriend, observed that Bebe’s body language during the dive mirrored his behavior when perched on a shoulder: relaxed, and attentive. “He went in willingly and he enjoyed it,” Lawyer said, arguing that such experiences are preferable to the confinement of a cage.
A History of High-Altitude and High-Speed Adventures
The underwater excursion is simply the latest chapter in a series of extreme activities shared by the duo. Since meeting Bebe at a Florida pet store in 2020, Lawyer has integrated the parakeet into nearly every aspect of his active lifestyle. The bird is a frequent participant in skiing trips and annual 500-mile bike rides in Iowa, where he often grips Lawyer’s collar as the bike reaches speeds of 40 mph.
Perhaps most striking is Bebe’s experience with aviation. After the bird repeatedly attempted to board a plane, Lawyer designed a ventilation-holed plastic bubble—similar to those used in cat backpacks—and attached it to his own skydiving suit. Bebe has since accompanied Lawyer on more than a dozen jumps.
| Activity | Equipment Used | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Underwater Exploration | The “Bebosphere” (Plastic container/Paintball tank) | 15 minutes at 3 feet depth |
| Skydiving | Ventilated plastic backpack bubble | 12+ successful jumps |
| Cycling | Shoulder perch / Collar grip | 500-mile annual rides |
| Indoor Cycling | Shoulder perch | Co-instructs classes via chirps |
The Bond Between a Lawyer and His Bird
Beyond the adrenaline-fueled stunts, Bebe is deeply embedded in Lawyer’s daily routine. The bird is known to “help” with professional duties, often flying to the phone during calls to peck at the screen, effectively deciding whether a call is accepted or declined. At night, the parakeet sleeps on Lawyer’s chest, and in public, he serves as what Lawyer describes as an “ambassador of smiles,” frequently posing for selfies with strangers.
The relationship is characterized by a high level of trust, though it is not without risk. Lawyer has noted the constant worry regarding predators like hawks when Bebe flies outdoors, though the bird consistently returns to his owner’s shoulder. This bond has made Bebe a local celebrity in central Iowa, even earning him a front-page feature in the Des Moines Register last year.
Addressing the Controversy
The viral nature of the parrot goes on underwater adventure in his custom-built submarine brought intense scrutiny from animal welfare advocates. Online critics labeled the act as “animal abuse for clicks,” suggesting that the ocean is the “literal exact opposite place” a parrot should be. Lawyer maintains that he only engages in activities that Bebe shows a genuine interest in and that the bird’s willingness to participate is the primary deciding factor.
From a biological perspective, white-winged parakeets—sometimes called “bee bee” parrots—can live up to two decades. Lawyer intends to spend those years continuing their joint explorations, viewing the bird’s adventurous spirit as a positive influence on his own life.
Next Steps for the Duo
Looking ahead, the pair is eyeing a new challenge: power paragliding. This activity involves a paraglider equipped with a motor attached to the pilot’s back. Lawyer has stated that he will apply the same rigorous vetting process used for the Bebosphere and the skydiving bubble to ensure Bebe is fully onboard before taking to the skies again.
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