Drunk zoo visitor attacked by monkeys

Joao Leite Dos Santos, a mechanic from Sao Paulo, decided it would be fun to join a colony of spider monkeys in their enclosure to see if they wanted to play.

After climbing the fence he waded across the dividing pool where a group of the primates gathered on the bank.

Thinking that they were inviting him to join them, Mr Dos Santos reached out to touch them. But the fiercely territorial monkeys bit his wrist, while another bit and clawed his elbow and shoulder.

Zoo officals quickly dragged Mr Dos Santos out of the enclosure where he lay in a pool of blood in front of a horrified crowd.

He was taken to hospital where he was treated for severe bites to his body.

In a series of sheepish interviews to the local press Mr Dos Santos admitted drinking heavily prior to the incident.

It is not known whether he will face criminal charges.

Read more and see video here ...