Adventurous Parrot Joins Owner on Underwater Excursion

Bebe the white-winged parakeet takes the plunge in his custom-built submarine.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:24am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic image of a parrot in a custom-built underwater submarine, repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the unusual pet activity and the debate it has sparked.An adventurous parrot explores the underwater world in its owner's custom-built submarine, sparking debate over the ethics of exposing pets to unconventional activities.Des Moines Today

Steven Lawyer, a 60-year-old lawyer from central Iowa, has taken his pet parrot Bebe on a variety of adventures, including skydiving, cycling, and now an underwater expedition in a custom-built submarine. Despite some criticism, Lawyer says Bebe was eager to join him on the underwater snorkeling trip and showed no signs of distress.

Why it matters

The story highlights the unique bond between Lawyer and his parrot Bebe, as well as the lengths some pet owners will go to include their animal companions in their active lifestyles. It also raises questions about the ethics of taking a parrot, which is not naturally adapted for underwater activities, on such excursions.

The details

Lawyer met Bebe, a white-winged parakeet, in 2020 at a Florida pet store. The two have become inseparable, with Bebe accompanying Lawyer on activities like cycling, skydiving, and now an underwater snorkeling trip. To enable Bebe to join him underwater, Lawyer built a custom submarine-like vessel with an air tank, valves, and an oxygen monitor. Lawyer says Bebe practiced in the vessel at home and showed no signs of distress during the 15-minute underwater excursion.

  • Lawyer met Bebe at a Florida pet store in 2020.
  • On March 24, 2026, Bebe went underwater in the custom vessel for about 15 minutes.
  • Lawyer shared the video of the underwater adventure on Instagram on April 4, 2026.

The players

Steven Lawyer

A 60-year-old lawyer from central Iowa who has taken his pet parrot Bebe on a variety of adventures, including skydiving, cycling, and now an underwater expedition.

Bebe

A white-winged parakeet that Lawyer met and adopted in 2020. Bebe has accompanied Lawyer on many of his active pursuits, including the recent underwater snorkeling trip.

Cher Quinn

Lawyer's girlfriend, who said Bebe's body language in the underwater vessel was relaxed and curious, indicating he was not distressed.

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What’s next

Lawyer says he next wants to take Bebe along while he paraglides with a motor attached to his back, an activity called power paragliding. He will ensure Bebe really wants to go before taking him on this new adventure.

The takeaway

The story highlights the unique and sometimes controversial ways pet owners are including their animal companions in their active lifestyles, raising questions about the ethics of such practices and the importance of ensuring the animal's wellbeing.