At a Glance
- Multiple vervet monkeys have been roaming St. Louis since January 8
- Officials still don’t know where the primates came from or how many remain loose
- AI-generated photos and fake sightings are hampering capture efforts
- Why it matters: Residents are warned to avoid the animals, which can be aggressive under stress
St. Louis officials are scrambling to capture several vervet monkeys that have been loose in the city since early January, while AI-generated images and social-media hoaxes complicate the search.
The first confirmed sightings surfaced Thursday, January 8, near O’Fallon Park, according to the city’s Department of Health and Animal Care and Control division. As of Tuesday, January 13, the primates are still at large and their origin remains unknown.
Monkeys on the Run
Justen Hauser, environmental health bureau chief at the St. Louis Department of Health, told local outlets that “multiple monkeys are on the loose.” Initial reports suggested four animals, but officials have been unable to confirm an exact count.
“This is the first time we’ve had a situation dealing with monkeys at large in the city of St. Louis,” Hauser said.
A St. Louis Zoo expert identified the animals as vervet monkeys, small primates native to Africa. City crews searched the park on both January 8 and January 9 without success.
“We are working to get an idea of where they may be hiding or seeking food,” Hauser explained. “We are engaging with partner agencies that are properly trained and equipped to safely capture these animals. Once captured, the monkeys will be transported to a facility certified to care for exotic animals.”
AI Hoaxes Flood Social Media
As word spread online, fabricated images and false sighting claims began to circulate. Hauser warned that AI-generated posts have “contributed to confusion about whether animals are still loose.”
Department of Health spokesperson Willie Springer echoed the concern.
“It’s been a lot in regard to AI and what’s genuine and what’s not,” Springer said. “People are just having fun. Like I don’t think anyone means harm.”
A separate, unconfirmed report of a loose goat also appeared on social media, further muddying the situation.
Legal Amnesty Offered
St. Louis city code bans all non-human primates. Despite the prohibition, officials promise that anyone who turns in one of the monkeys will not face charges or fines.
“If you have secured one of these animals, the department of health will be waiving any charges or fines that pertain to prohibited animals in the city,” Hauser said, “so that these monkeys can be safely and humanely turned in.”
Residents are urged not to approach the animals. Vervet monkeys can become unpredictable or aggressive when stressed, according to the health department.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Development |
|---|---|
| Jan 8 | First confirmed sightings near O’Fallon Park |
| Jan 8-9 | City crews search area; no monkeys found |
| Jan 13 | Animals still at large; AI hoaxes multiply |
What Happens Next
Trapping teams continue to patrol the area. Officials ask anyone who spots the monkeys to call Animal Care and Control immediately and provide verifiable details-time, exact location, and photos if possible-so crews can distinguish real reports from AI fabrications.
Until the primates are captured, the city advises residents to secure outdoor food sources and keep pets indoors when sightings are reported.
Key Takeaways
- Several vervet monkeys remain loose in St. Louis after nearly a week
- Their origin is unknown and no owner has come forward
- AI-generated images are making it harder to track actual sightings
- Officials promise amnesty for anyone who safely turns in a monkey
