Zoo director in conversation: This is how animals react to intoxicants

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Opinion: Do animals consume fermented fruits, grains and other intoxicants?
This is known from some animal groups. The interesting thing is whether they did it on purpose or by accident. While land animals have access to fermented fruit, dolphins, for example, are known to get high with the venom of the puffer fish, fugus.

Are there any other examples of this from nature?
While monkeys are known for certain, elephants have many more anecdotal stories. This is mainly because such a large animal would have to find and eat a lot of fermented fruit to get really drunk. A 2020 study is trying to explain why there may still be drunk elephants: Elephants are very poor at breaking down alcohol, so an intoxicating level of alcohol is achieved for elephants for hours or even days.

So, are there any similar examples from the Zurich Zoo?
No, as far as I know, because we do not feed our animals fruit that is already in the fermentation process.

Are these examples based solely on individual observations, or have scientific studies been done on animals and alcohol?
There are several studies that address the subject. This also goes beyond individual observations.

Is there a result of such a study that you find particularly exciting? to find?
A study on alcohol consumption in spider monkeys from 2022 is memorable because it not only proved the consumption without a doubt, but also discussed its causes. The explanation is that animals particularly prefer fermented fruit because alcohol has more energy than sugar.

Do animals make a difference between beer and wine?
This cannot be observed in the wild as there is no wine or beer available. I know horses really like beer.

I’ve read that flying animals like bats or birds also ferment the plant.buy nectar Does this affect their ability to fly?
A mixed picture emerges. For example, it has been found that bats can still fly perfectly after drinking relatively large amounts of alcohol. They seem to take alcohol surprisingly well. In birds, things are different: young animals in particular appear to be intoxicated, similar to humans. But there isn’t much work on it.

Do you know if animals get drunk and enjoy it like us humans?
If so, this is comparable only in mammals. But the example of the puffer fish and the dolphin shows that at least some animals deliberately create intoxicating situations.

Can being drunk be dangerous for animals too?
As with us humans, a drunken state certainly results in less alertness and less reaction in animals. This can be especially dangerous for animals that serve as prey for other animals.

What about pets: do we need to be careful that they don’t accidentally drink alcohol?
Although most animals avoid alcohol anyway, accidentally ingesting too much can lead to poisoning. For example, dogs and cats cannot break down alcohol either. In this case, the precaution is the same as with any poisoning: go to the vet immediately. A little lick is not dangerous.

Media slot: Stories

Source : Blick