A monkey entered an off-licence in eastern India last week, drank half a bottle of vodka, and fell into a deep sleep on boxes inside the shop, forcing staff and customers to continue their business around the snoring animal.
Staff at the liquor shop in Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand state, reportedly tried to encourage the primate to leave after it entered uninvited. They offered biscuits as a distraction, but the monkey showed no interest.
Monkey opens bottle and drinks
Shortly afterwards, the monkey cracked open a bottle of vodka, opened it and began drinking. It then climbed onto some boxes and fell asleep, while employees and shoppers navigated around the unconscious animal.
Witnesses recorded the spectacle on their mobile phones. Footage shows staff and customers entering the establishment to purchase beverages, with workers continuing their regular duties as the monkey slept in the background.
Not the first taste of alcohol
Locals say this was not the primate's first experience with alcohol. According to them, the monkey had been spotted in recent days consuming residual alcohol from abandoned bottles.
Monkeys are a familiar presence in urban areas across India, frequently stealing food and other items from retail outlets and residences. Wildlife specialists typically advise against providing them with sustenance, as it can embolden the creatures around humans.
Removed to biological park
The incident occurred at Ormanjhi Chowk in Ranchi, approximately 265 miles from the border with Bangladesh. According to reports, wildlife officers removed the monkey from the premises and transported it to the neighbouring Birsa Biological Park for veterinary examination. Its current condition remains unknown.
