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Monkey Business in St. Louis: Elusive Primates and AI-Fueled Rumors Create a Wild Goose Chase
St. Louis, MO – A curious case of multiple monkeys on the loose in the northern part of the city has animal control and residents alike scratching their heads, with the added modern twist of AI-generated images complicating the search. The Vervet monkeys, whose ownership and exact numbers remain a mystery, were first spotted last Thursday near a local park, sparking a flurry of sightings, rumors, and even some digitally fabricated “captures.”
Willie Springer, spokesperson for the city’s Department of Health, noted the significant challenge posed by artificial intelligence in discerning genuine reports from playful fakes. “It’s been a lot in regard to AI and what’s genuine and what’s not,” Springer stated, adding, “People are just having fun.
Like I don’t think anyone means harm.” Despite claims and convincing (but fake) online photos, the monkeys were still at large as of Monday.
The largest number of monkeys reported seen is four, though their exact count remains unconfirmed. Given that owning such animals is prohibited within city limits, officials are not optimistic that anyone will come forward to claim them.
For some residents, the presence of these wild primates has introduced an element of unease. Caroline Dunn, a long-time resident of the O’Fallon Park neighborhood, expressed her concern to a local news affiliate, stating, “They could have rabies.
You never know.” Dunn also pondered their possible hiding spots, suggesting, “There’s a lot of vacant houses.
They could be swinging around the houses waiting on somebody.” Another resident, Shelby Kinder, offered a more natural perspective, believing, “They’re probably somewhere in a tree.
It’s what they’re used to, I guess.”
Currently, animal control is collaborating with primate experts from the St. Louis Zoo in an effort to safely locate and capture the animals.
Vervet monkeys, native to sub-Saharan Africa, are known for their intelligence and social nature. These “green monkeys,” named for the tint of their fur, typically weigh between 7 and 17 pounds.
Authorities are advising the public to maintain a safe distance from the monkeys and to contact animal control immediately if they spot them. While experts suggest these particular monkeys are more likely to avoid adults, they may exhibit unpredictable or aggressive behavior if stressed, and could potentially challenge dogs or young children.