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Monkeys on the Loose: Jumanji Comes to St. Louis!
10 Jan
Summary
- Vervet monkeys were spotted roaming north St. Louis streets this week.
- City officials are working with trained agencies to safely capture the primates.
- Residents are warned not to approach the potentially unpredictable animals.
Residents in north St. Louis experienced a startling event this week when several vervet monkeys were sighted roaming freely, evoking comparisons to the movie "Jumanji." The Department of Health confirmed multiple monkeys were loose, prompting a city-wide alert and a collaborative effort with trained animal capture specialists.
Efforts are underway to locate and safely secure the monkeys, with the St. Louis Zoo identifying them as vervet monkeys, native to East Africa. These intelligent, social primates can become unpredictable and aggressive when stressed, leading officials to strongly advise the public against any attempts at direct contact or capture.
The animals' origin remains a mystery, but their presence has highlighted concerns about exotic pets. The city strictly prohibits exotic animals, and authorities urge anyone spotting the monkeys to report their location immediately to facilitate a safe resolution.
