Here is a little 'synopsis' of what can happen, perhaps under unintended consequences, by humans introducing non-native species into foreign ecosystems...perhaps this is even what can happen in extreme circumstances, if you will. Some 300-odd-years-ago slave traders from West Africa brought their beloved monkeys over to the island of St. Kitts in the Caribbean.... and now.... they're alcoholics. Back when the lovely, little-known island was no more than a rum-producing colony, these poor monkeys got a taste of the Devil's Drink and liked its a little too much. These boozie animals have now developed a taste, an addiction if you will for alcohol all from indulging in fermented sugarcane and now, of course, from stealing drinks from tourists. Perhaps the most educational insight we can take from the video below is the revelation- the overall problem with alcohol- that humans suffer from, as well as monkeys. Many economists and animal rights activists are worried that these poor Vervet Monkeys are going to become endangered (although, as of now they are not considered to be part of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) list.) This particular species is often killed by electricity pylons, vehicles, dogs, pellet guns, poison and bullets and kept for means of traditional medicine, meat and even biomedical research. Many, including myself, are starting to wonder...what's next for our cuddly friends? Perhaps we should discuss this over a bottle of 99 Bananas Liquor?
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