EXCLUSIVE Moment partying Britons feed energy drink and McDonald's takeaway to an ORANGUTAN while driving it through the streets of Dubai in their Mercedes as footage is slammed by animal rights groups
Partying Britons have fed an orangutan a can of energy drink and a McDonald's while driving it through the streets of Dubai in horrifying footage slammed by animal rights activists.
The ape was filmed washing down a banana with a can of Monster on Wednesday night by a group of young men, believed to be from Birmingham, who are visiting the UAE.
At one point the little orangutan appeared to reciprocate a fist bump proffered by one of the men, prompting an outburst of shrieks as rap music thumped through the vehicle.
The holidaying Britons have been accused of animal cruelty by viewers and many have cautioned them against feeding a wild animal such a potent caffeinated drink.
The ape was videoed washing down a banana with a can of Monster energy drink as a group of British men, believed to be from Birmingham, drove him through the streets of Dubai
The little orangutan being led into the back of the Mercedes in Dubai earlier this week
The orangutan polished off the sugary drink before sitting on the back seat as rap music thumped through the vehicle
The footage was uploaded by a Birmingham-based man identified only as Abdi who has been enjoying a lavish holiday in Dubai
One tweeted: 'He gone bite all they fingers off the moment they go to sleep. Leave these animals alone!!'
Another conceded: 'This ain't right but it's funny af'
Others cautioned against giving a wild animal an energy drink
One tweeted: 'He gone bite all they fingers off the moment they go to sleep. Leave these animals alone!!'
Another said: 'This ain't right but it's funny.'
Indeed, most viewers did choose to see the funny side of the footage, while others seemed to think it was worthy of respect, 'this the biggest flex this year,' said one.
Orangutans are generally the most sedate of the apes and in this case fortunately, the animal does not appear to have been agitated.
However, zoo keepers would warn against joking around with a full-sized orangutan because, leaving aside any ethical considerations, they are incredibly strong and have been known to bite.
The footage was uploaded by a Birmingham-based man identified only as Abdi who has been enjoying a lavish holiday in Dubai.
His Instagram account reveals that he flew out from Heathrow in First Class just four days ago and has been staying at the five-star Five Palm Jumeirah hotel.
Another perspective was offered by this Instagram user who said it was better than being locked in a cage
Most viewers did choose to see the funny side of the footage, while others seemed to think it was worthy of respect, 'this the biggest flex this year,' said one
Abdi and his entourage have been renting luxurious cars including Fearraris and Lamborghinis, as well as getting up close with exotic animals such as tiger and leopard cubs.
The United Arab Emirates' liberal attitudes to the ownership of exotic animals has drawn criticism in the past.
The Middle Eastern country outlawed private ownership in 2017, although it is unclear if the Britons were given the animals by a licensed keeper.