Several monkeys loose in St. Louis and authorities have no clue how they got there

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Monkeys are on the loose in St. Louis, Missouri, and authorities haven‘t yet figured out where they came from or who they belong to.

On January 9th, St. Louis health and animal control officials confirmed sightings of several monkeys in a neighborhood near O’Fallon Park. Residents reported seeing at least four monkeys on Red Bud Avenue, but authorities say they haven’t determined the exact number.

City health officials report this is the first time monkeys have been found loose in the city. St. Louis laws don’t allow people to own exotic animals, and so far, authorities haven’t found anyone with a permit or legal ownership connected to these monkeys.

Two red vervet monkeys roaming a neighborhood in St. Louis

Number of loose primates is unknown

The monkeys were identified as vervet monkeys—also called green monkeys—with help from the Saint Louis Zoo. These monkeys are native to Africa, south of the Sahara Desert, and aren’t normally found in Missouri.

Officials clarified that the zoo simply helped identify the animals and wasn’t responsible for their care or movement.

People in the neighborhood were shocked and worried to learn the animals had escaped. Many were concerned about the safety of their pets and families, and some brought their animals inside until the search was over.

City leaders are advising people not to get near the monkeys if they see them, explaining that while smart, the animals can be unpredictable. Health officials stated that professional animal handlers will be responsible for catching them once their whereabouts are known.

Currently, investigators haven’t found any connection between the monkeys and a zoo, research center, or licensed animal handler. Once the monkeys are caught, officials will work with state and federal agencies to figure out where they came from, which includes checking records of exotic animal owners.

Currently, no one has been arrested or ticketed, and authorities haven’t announced that any of the monkeys have been caught. Animal Care and Control is still asking the public to report any monkey sightings right away by calling 314-657-1500.

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2026-01-11 18:49