Monkey Business: Multiple Primates on the Loose in a St. Louis Park

This article is adapted from an original report by NBC News St. Louis. All quoted material appears exactly as originally published and is credited to NBC News.

Officials in St. Louis are searching for multiple primates that have been roaming near a city park for several days, according to Missouri’s Department of Health.

The primates — identified by an expert from the St. Louis Zoo as vervet monkeys — were last confirmed to be in or around O’Fallon Park. Early reports suggested four monkeys were involved, but state officials later clarified the situation.

The department said it “cannot confirm an actual number at this time, only that there is more than one.”

It remains unclear where the monkeys came from or when they went missing. A Department of Health animal care and control officer was dispatched to O’Fallon Park on Thursday, but no animals were located. Additional patrols on Friday were also unsuccessful.

Owning exotic animals within the city of St. Louis is prohibited by ordinance, and officials stated they are not aware of any nearby residences housing monkeys illegally.

Public safety remains a priority as the search continues. Officials are urging residents not to approach the animals.

The monkeys “may be unpredictable or aggressive under stress,” the department warned.

“We are working to get an idea of where they may be hiding or seeking food,” said Justen Hauser, St. Louis’ environmental health bureau chief, in a statement to NBC News. “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.”