A white-winged parakeet named Bebe is making waves online after embarking on an underwater adventure in the Bahamas — all from the comfort of a homemade mini-submarine engineered by his owner.
The small parrot, hatched in 2020 and raised in a cage-free home by Steven (Steve) Lawyer of New Virginia, Iowa, has long been known for his bold personality and love of joining his human in various escapades. Bebe has already logged 15 skydives, riding in a clear bubble strapped to Lawyer’s chest before launching out to chase the parachute mid-descent. Now, he’s added scuba diving to his growing list of extreme experiences.
Lawyer built the compact “Bebosphere” — sometimes referred to as a bird submarine — specifically so Bebe wouldn’t have to sit out snorkeling and diving trips. The thoughtful DIY creation uses a clear food storage container as its main chamber, offering the bird a full 360-degree view of the underwater world. Fresh air is supplied via a 3000 psi paintball cylinder strapped underneath, with air fittings and a one-way valve ensuring proper flow while keeping water out. Carefully trimmed lead weights provide neutral buoyancy, allowing the pod to glide gently near coral reefs, while an internal oxygen meter with an alarm monitors levels for added safety.
“I wanted to be sure our beloved Bebe had plenty of fresh air,” Lawyer said of the air system design.
Extensive safety testing preceded the ocean outing, including a trial run with Bebe inside the vessel during a bathtub session at home. The actual dive took place in a sheltered harbor with familiar coral formations and no strong currents or rip tides, keeping the environment calm and controlled. Lawyer guided the sub from outside as Bebe calmly observed fish and vibrant reefs passing by, appearing relaxed and curious throughout the experience.
Videos and photos of the dive have quickly gone viral across Instagram (@bebebirdparrot), Facebook (BebeBirdParrot), and X, drawing a mix of amusement, admiration for the creativity, and occasional questions about safety. Many commenters have dubbed it “wholesome chaos” and “next-level pet parenting,” with Bebe’s chill demeanor helping ease concerns.
This isn’t Bebe’s first brush with fame. The adventurous parakeet has become something of a local celebrity, regularly joining Lawyer on activities like long-distance bike rides during events such as RAGBRAI. Lawyer has consistently emphasized that he only involves Bebe in experiences the bird genuinely seems to enjoy, often testing setups thoroughly beforehand.
Whether it’s genius pet inclusion or the ultimate in bird pampering, Bebe’s latest exploit is sparking smiles and conversations far beyond the music world — proving that some animals truly live life to the fullest.
Have you caught the footage yet? It’s peak internet gold. 🦜🌊
