A video showing two monkeys holding and apparently drinking from beer bottles in Kuta, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, has attracted widespread attention on social media and prompted discussion about human interactions with wildlife in tourist destinations.
The footage was recorded by traveller Claire Hansen during a visit to Indonesia and was later shared by international media outlet ABC News. Since being published online, the video has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times and generated a range of reactions from viewers around the world.
In the post accompanying the footage, ABC News wrote:
“Two monkeys were spotted drinking from what appeared to be beer bottles on the island of Lombok, Indonesia, and onlookers couldn’t believe their eyes.”
Footage Sparks Reactions From Viewers
The video shows two monkeys sitting on a rocky area near the beach. Each animal appears to be holding a glass bottle, one green and one brown, commonly associated with beer packaging. One of the monkeys can be seen raising the bottle to its mouth as people nearby watch the scene.
It remains unclear whether the bottles contained alcohol at the time the footage was recorded or whether the animals were consuming residual liquid left behind by visitors. No information has been provided regarding how the monkeys obtained the bottles.
The incident has nevertheless renewed concerns about the impact of littering and irresponsible behaviour in tourist areas, where wildlife may come into contact with food, drinks, and other waste left by humans.
Many social media users expressed concern for the welfare of the animals rather than amusement at the unusual sight.
One commenter wrote:
“As funny as some might think this is, it really isn’t. Animals are vulnerable to drinking and eating anything they can find. It terrifies me knowing that animals are trusting and are an easy target for people who like to harm them. Not saying this is the case, but it happens.”
Another viewer commented:
“That’s not funny, I would have stopped them from drinking that; they need fruit.”
Lihat postingan ini di Instagram
Experts Warn of Risks to Wildlife
Wildlife experts and veterinarians have long warned against feeding wild animals or allowing them access to human food and beverages. While the video may appear entertaining to some viewers, alcohol can pose serious health risks to primates and other wildlife.
Exposure to alcohol may lead to poisoning, particularly in smaller animals whose bodies are unable to process the substance effectively. In severe cases, alcohol intoxication can be fatal.
Experts also note that consuming alcohol can damage internal organs, including the liver and kidneys, while potentially affecting an animal’s coordination, judgement, and behaviour. Such changes may increase the likelihood of aggression or injury.
