There seems to be a bit of monkey business happening down on the islands of St. Kitts & Nevis.

There are about 50,000 people living on the islands and about 20,000 monkeys. That’s BANANAS! (See what we did there?)

Vervet monkeys have been living the good life there for about 300 years and have taken to enjoying their spirits. On your next visit, you may just find yourself sitting next to a monkey sippin’ on a rum swizzle. Yes, you heard that right. They love rum as much as we do.

So, how did these monkeys become such big boozers? It began after they arrived in St. Kitts from Africa back in the 18th & 19th centuries. The land was dominated by sugarcane plantations and the animals quickly became hooked on the alcohol in fermented cane juice left out in the fields.

Fast forward several hundred years, and today these monkeys raid the local bars and beaches in search of their next cocktail.  Guard your drink well if you want to finish it, though. These adorable looking creatures mean business and will snatch that boat drink while you take a snooze on the beach.

Researchers have actually studied these piña colada-loving primates.  Interestingly, there is a whole social monkey sub-culture which consists of the binge drinker, the social drinker and the more responsible “sober” monkey. Even they recognize the importance of the designated driver. Monkeys, they’re just like us!

When it comes to monkey’s throwing back a margarita, we think that you need to see it to believe it. Check out this amazing video. Warning: be prepared to laugh and be totally disturbed at the same time.

Ok, we have to admit that watching those monkeys stealing drinks and stumbling around like drunken fools is pretty entertaining…and a bit frightening. Yikes!