Birds and other animals do get wasted sometimes...

DRUNKEN PIGEONS WREAK HAVOC

Drunken wood pigeons have been causing headaches for bird rescue staff in Whangarei, with about 30 birds having to be rescued in the last couple of months.

THURSDAY , 04 AUGUST 2005

Robyn Webb from the Whangarei Native Bird Rescue Centre said the kereru had been eating guava berries, which fermented in their crops, causing them to become intoxicated.

"This year there hasn't been much food in the forest, so the birds have been coming into town to gorge on the ripe berries here, she told NZPA.

"The problem is they are vulnerable to more predators, like cats and dogs."

The centre had fielded many calls from members of the public, who had found "lethargic" kereru sitting on the ground after falling out of trees or bumping into windows while under the influence.

Most stayed in the "de-tox" centre for a couple of days before being returned to the spot where they were found.

"This is important because they have partners and families," Mrs Webb said.

Others, which had sustained injuries from falls or predators, could be held for longer, she said.

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DRUNKEN ELEPHANTS GO ON RAMPAGE

At least 6 in India killed after elephants get into rice beer.

Dec 17, 2002 - At least six persons were crushed to death by wild elephants that went amok after getting drunk on rice beer near Guwahati, India. A forest official said the herd went on the rampage Monday in Tinsukia district.

"They smashed huts and plundered granaries and broke open casks to drink rice beer. The herd then went berserk killing six persons," according to a Reuters report.

Wild elephants have been targeting areas where people brew large volumes of rice beer. "We have come across devastating drunken bouts by herds that have developed a liking for country liquor," Kushal Sharma, a noted elephant expert, said.

In the last two years, elephants have killed at least 150 people. Villagers, in turn, have killed up to 200 of the animals.