Nature has its own way of throwing wild parties, and surprisingly, humans aren’t the only ones who enjoy a little buzz.
From monkeys sipping cocktails on tropical beaches to reindeer munching on magic mushrooms, the animal kingdom has some pretty interesting ways of getting high or drunk.
These curious creatures seek out fermented fruits, toxic plants, and even psychedelic fungi, leading to some truly bizarre behavior in the wild.
While these behaviors are documented in scientific research, it’s important to note that intoxication can be dangerous for animals, sometimes leading to injury or death.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not encourage feeding animals intoxicating substances.
1. Wallabies In Poppy Fields
Tasmania’s wallabies have developed quite the reputation for their unusual agricultural adventures.
These marsupials break into poppy farms, munching on the plants grown for medicinal purposes, and the results are absolutely hilarious.
Farmers have reported finding crop circles created by intoxicated wallabies hopping around in confused patterns.
The animals stumble, hop erratically, and seem completely disoriented after their poppy feast, creating a scene straight out of a comedy film.
2. Vervet Monkeys Raiding Beach Bars
On the sunny shores of St. Kitts, vervet monkeys have become notorious cocktail thieves with surprisingly refined tastes.
These cheeky primates specifically target alcoholic drinks, showing clear preferences for certain beverages over others.
Researchers discovered that about 12% of the monkey population drinks regularly, mimicking human drinking patterns from social sippers to problem drinkers.
They’ve been caught stumbling around beaches, exhibiting slurred movements and aggressive behavior after their boozy heists.
3. Elephants And Marula Fruit Mystery
The legend of drunk elephants feasting on fermented marula fruit has captivated imaginations for generations, though the truth is more nuanced.
While scientists debate whether the fruit alone causes intoxication, elephants definitely consume marula tree bark containing potentially mind-altering compounds.
Videos show elephants swaying and behaving oddly near marula trees during fruiting season.
Whether from fermentation or other substances, these gentle giants occasionally display behavior that looks remarkably like a proper hangover.
4. Reindeer Seeking Magic Mushrooms
Reindeer in Eastern Europe and Siberia actively hunt for Amanita muscaria, the iconic red and white spotted mushrooms famous for their hallucinogenic properties.
These Arctic dwellers seem to deliberately seek out the fungi, sometimes competing aggressively with each other for the psychedelic treats.
After consumption, reindeer exhibit strange behaviors including erratic movements, unusual vocalizations, and aimless wandering.
Some researchers believe this behavior inspired ancient shamanic traditions and possibly even flying reindeer legends.
5. Bighorn Sheep Chasing Narcotic Lichen
High in the Canadian Rockies, bighorn sheep risk their lives climbing treacherous cliff faces for a very specific prize: narcotic lichen growing on remote rock surfaces.
These sure-footed mountaineers scrape the rare lichen off with their teeth, sometimes traveling dangerous routes to reach their favorite spots.
The sheep return repeatedly to the same locations, suggesting the lichen provides something more than basic nutrition.
Their behavior after consumption appears noticeably altered and erratic.
6. Cedar Waxwings’ Berry Binge
Cedar waxwings across North America have a dangerous habit of overindulging in fermented berries, particularly during late autumn when fruits have been sitting on branches fermenting.
These elegant birds lose their famous coordination, crashing into windows, buildings, and even the ground.
In Vienna, dozens of intoxicated waxwings have been found dead after fatal collisions.
Wildlife centres regularly receive these tipsy birds during berry season, waiting for them to sober up before release.
7. Dolphins Playing With Pufferfish
Juvenile dolphins off Western Australia have discovered an unconventional way to get high: carefully chewing on pufferfish that release small amounts of tetrodotoxin, a potent nerve toxin.
The dolphins handle the fish with remarkable gentleness, passing them around their pod like a peace pipe.
After their pufferfish sessions, the dolphins enter a trance-like state, floating near the surface and appearing mesmerized by their own reflections.
This behavior seems deliberately social and recreational.
8. Black Lemurs’ Millipede Meditation
Madagascar’s black lemurs have perfected a bizarre self-medication ritual involving toxic millipedes that would make any pharmacist jealous.
These primates gently bite the millipedes, triggering the release of cyanide-based defensive chemicals, then rub the toxic saliva mixture all over their fur.
The process serves dual purposes: repelling insects and inducing a euphoric, drugged state that leaves lemurs drooling and glassy-eyed.
They appear to enter a blissful trance, suggesting they enjoy the narcotic effects.
