Benjy the bull may not be gay after all, according to the animal sanctuary.
Benjy is a Charolais bull owned by a farmer in Co Mayo, Ireland.
He made international headlines when it was reported that Benjy would be slaughtered because he had failed to breed with any of the cows in the herd, and indeed showed more interest in the other bulls.
The news galvanised gay rights groups and animal charities into action, organising a campaign to spare the "gay bull" from the butcher's block.
An animal charity is trying to save Benjy the gay bull, and they want your help http://t.co/o6aDcY5RJt #SaveBenjy
Well, there's good news for Benjy today: he has been thrown a lifeline by Sam Simon, co-creator of The Simpsons.
Simon, sadly, is terminally ill with cancer, but, since his diagnosis, he has been giving away his multi-million dollar fortune to good causes.
One of his pet causes is animal rights, and he has donated millions to PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).
#Hero4Animals: Diagnosed w cancer, #TheSimpsons' @simonsam gives his fortune 2 animals in need http://t.co/3pvUPEUxOS
When Simon (a long-time vegan) heard about Benjy's plight, he stepped up and paid £5,000 ($7,800 or €6,240) to purchase the bull to send him to an animal sanctuary.
Simon told PETA: "All animals have a dire destiny in the meat trade, but to kill this bull because he's gay would've been a double tragedy. "It thrills me to help PETA and [animal rights group] ARAN make Benjy's fate a sanctuary rather than a sandwich."
Benjy's move to the sanctuary is expected to take place in time for Christmas, thanks to the funds provided by Simon and 250 other individuals.
May you enjoy a long and fabulous gay life, Benjy.
