The Kopi Luwakalso known as “civet coffee”, is one of the drinks most expensive and controversial in the world. Produced in Indonesia and other regions of Southeast Asia, it is made using coffee beans ingested and then expelled by civet cats of Asian palms, small nocturnal cat-like mammals.
Behind this production, however, lies something reality of cruelty and exploitation which cannot leave anyone indifferent. Investigations conducted by organizations such as PETA have revealed terrible living conditions and at the limits of survival for civets used in this industry.
The animals are caught in the wild or purchased in live and confined animal markets tiny dirty metal cagesoften covered in their own excrement. The monotonous diet, consisting almost exclusively of coffee berries, causes serious health problemsincluding malnutrition, hair loss, parasitic infections and abdominal pain.
Many civet cats show obvious signs of zoocosisa behavioral disorder caused by chronic stress and deprivation of freedom. Obsessive movements, such as incessant pacing back and forth, are common symptoms.
Other than “wild origin”: protected species are also used
A particularly disturbing aspect is the dishonesty that pervades the industry. Although many products are labeled as “of wild origin”, it is virtually impossible to meet global demand with grains sourced exclusively from free-ranging civets.
Producers often mix grains collected from wild animals with those from captive civets, deceiving as well as consumers and retailers. Additionally some breeders use protected specieslike binturongs, passing off their products as civet coffee.
In addition to animal suffering, this industry poses a significant risk to public health. Animals confined to unhealthy environments, under chronic stress and with compromised immune systems, become fertile ground for the spread of zoonotic diseases. Civet cats have been identified as intermediate hosts in the transmission of SARS and potential vectors of other pandemics, including COVID-19.
The production of kopi luwak, far from being a refined tradition, is therefore configured as one cruel and irresponsible practice. To put an end to these atrocities it is essential that we all start refusing to buy or consume this coffee. Only a global boycott can push the industry to stop exploiting defenseless animals by mistreating them until they become ill solely for profit.
