A couple of vultures got into some trouble in Watertown, Connecticut, on April 7, 2024. At first it was believed that the birds were extremely sick and needed help. The full story is a little bit more humorous.
Turns out these creatures had been dumpster-diving and got into some fermented foods. They were actually just drunk. Hangovers happen even to birds.
Animal control responded to reports that the birds had “no balance” and were “unable to stand or fly” in addition to “uncontrollable shaking.” They were taken to the wildlife rehabilitation center, A Place Called Hope. Rescuers could not figure out why they kept passing out and were afraid the birds were close to death. All the tests came back clean. After viewing the details of the case, it was determined the vultures were just drunk.
“These two, the dynamic duo,” the center dubbed them on Facebook. “Celebrated a day early for the eclipse by dumpster diving and getting themselves into something that was fermented enough to cause severe intoxication. They were literally drunk. They were too drunk to fly. They only needed fluids and to be tucked in overnight… and fed a BIG breakfast the next day.” The birds were released a couple of days later. They met back up with their colony and have some good stories to tell.
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Their case is a good reminder to humans to be careful how we throw away our trash. Thankfully, these birds used the buddy system. “Remember, your cocktail fruit that ends up in a dumpster can end up intoxicating wildlife if the dumpster is not kept closed,” the center warned. “Birds don't let other birds fly drunk… this dynamic duo had each other's backs, but I don't know if any lessons were learned on their end… Quite the story! and drunk vultures are not easy patients, just sayin'”
