Not just humans: 3 animals known to get drunk in the wild

Research has shown that fruit flies not only tolerate alcohol but often prefer it. Male fruit flies deprived of mating opportunities have been observed consuming more alcohol, a behaviour that closely resembles stress-induced drinking in humans. Even more fascinating, fruit flies metabolise alcohol efficiently thanks to enzymes similar to those in the human liver.

Vervet monkeys

Vervet monkeys living on the Caribbean islands of St. Kitts and Nevis are famous for their fondness for alcohol. Their taste for booze likely originated during colonial times, when sugarcane plantations produced rum. The monkeys developed a habit of stealing alcoholic drinks left unattended by humans.

What makes vervet monkeys especially interesting is that their drinking patterns mirror human behaviour. Studies have identified distinct drinker types among them—light drinkers, heavy drinkers and binge drinkers. Some monkeys actively seek alcohol, while others avoid it altogether.

Cedar waxwings

A Cedar Waxwing feeding on tree sap (Photo: Wikipedia)

Cedar waxwings are sleek, social birds renowned for their fondness for fruit. During winter, when berries ferment naturally due to freezing and thawing cycles, these birds sometimes consume fruit containing alcohol.

As a result, cedar waxwings have been observed behaving erratically—flying into windows, swaying on branches or struggling to maintain balance. While this may appear to be intentional intoxication, it’s more likely a side effect of their fruit-heavy diet and rapid feeding habits. Despite occasional mishaps, most birds metabolise alcohol quickly, and such incidents rarely cause long-term harm.