In our newspaper this morning , there was a small article about a zoo in Eastern Europe ( I think it was Budapest ) that gives its monkeys red wine as part of their diet . They seem to think that this would keep their blood healthy ( and improve their longevity ) Needless to say , it is given in small doses , mixed with cold tea , to avoid tiddly monkeys . ( Can one really tell the difference ? ) It didnt specify which species of monkeys -- and it could possibly extend to Primates in general . Does anyone else know of other places zoos where any animals are given alcohol on regular basis ? Does the scientific evidence of red wine helping to prevent heart disorders also extend to primates ? Just wondering .......