Humans don’t have a monopoly on a good time – it turns out, the animal kingdom also knows how to let loose, indulge in some natural “spirits” and get drunk. From fruity feasts to fermented snacks, these critters have found their own ways to get a little tipsy.
1. Fruit Flies
Tiny but mighty, fruit flies are known for their unquenchable thirst for fermented fruits. When the fruit starts to rot, these little party animals flock to it like it’s a VIP lounge. They may be small, but they’ve got a big appetite for getting their buzz on!
2. Elephants
These gentle giants love their fermented fruits, especially when it comes to marula fruit. In some cases, elephants have been known to get quite tipsy after raiding trees laden with the ripe fruit. It’s a big deal in the animal kingdom when an elephant goes “trunk” up!
In this video filmed at the MalaMala Game Reserve in Africa you can see some very drunk elephants.
3. Reindeer
If you think Rudolph was just guiding the sleigh soberly, think again! Reindeer have been known to munch on fermented mushrooms, leading to some rather peculiar behaviors. After a good snack, you might just see them prancing around with an extra bounce in their step!
4. Wallabies
These adorable Australian marsupials have been spotted sneaking sips from fermented apples. They may look innocent, but when the fruit starts to ferment, wallabies can get quite the buzz, bouncing around with carefree joy. Talk about hopping happy!
5. Buffalo
When the sun is setting and the party vibe is on, buffalo often enjoy munching on fermented fruit, particularly when it’s hanging low from the trees. If you spot a buffalo looking a little wobbly, you might just be witnessing nature’s own version of a happy hour!
6. Pigs
Known for their love of food, pigs are also notorious party animals. They can’t resist a good apple or two, especially when it’s slightly fermented. A pig’s idea of a wild night includes rolling around in the mud while enjoying the occasional fruity feast—talk about a pig’s paradise!
The drunk pig in this video has got himself drunk on deer mash.
7. Bats
These night flyers have a taste for fermented nectar, particularly from certain fruits. Some bats, like the lesser long-nosed bat, indulge in tequila plants, getting a little tipsy as they flit about in the moonlight. Who knew bats had a flair for cocktails?
8. Hyenas
Hyenas aren’t just known for their laughter; they also enjoy the occasional fermented fruit. After a good feast, these scavengers might get a bit rowdy, engaging in playful antics that could put any party animal to shame. Just watch out for the snickers!
9. Seagulls
These beach bums are notorious for raiding picnic baskets and leftovers. And run the UK they have been known to get drunk by finishing pints of lager left by pub drinkers.
10. Capuchin Monkeys
Last but certainly not least, capuchin monkeys have been observed raiding fruit trees for their fermented delights. With their clever hands and mischievous minds, these little primates can turn any fruit feast into a wild party—swinging, laughing, and maybe even dancing!
11. Skunks
The phrase “drunk as a skunk” is thought to have originated in the 19th century, with the earliest written examples appearing in the United States around the 1830s. The phrase conveys the idea of someone being very intoxicated, drawing on the perception of skunks as animals that might behave oddly or clumsily when they encounter fermented food.
As for skunks getting drunk, yes, they can! Skunks are known to eat fermented fruits, which can lead to intoxication. Similar to other animals that consume overripe or fermented foods, skunks can display unusual behavior when they’ve indulged too much. So, while the phrase may be humorous, it has some basis in the natural behaviors of these little critters!
12. Moose
Moose are also animals that like to go wild occasionally and get drunk. This partying moose got stuck in a tree after eating fermenting apples it found on the ground.
