Multiple vervet monkeys are on the loose in St. Louis, and city officials say AI-generated images and fake posts are making it harder to confirm real sightings. The monkeys were first reported on Thursday near a park in the city’s northern area, fueling what a city Department of Health spokesperson described as “rumor after rumor.”
How many monkeys and where they came from remains unclear
Officials say they still don’t know who owns the monkeys, how they escaped, or exactly how many are roaming. The largest number reported in a single sighting is four, and the spokesperson said it’s unlikely anyone will come forward because the animals aren’t legal to own in the city.
Zoo experts assist as residents are urged to keep a distance
Animal control is working with primate experts at the St. Louis Zoo to locate and safely capture the monkeys. Residents have been urged to stay away and call for help instead, with officials warning the animals may be unpredictable or aggressive under stress, despite being intelligent and social.
What to know about vervet monkeys
Vervet monkeys are native to sub-Saharan Africa and are sometimes called green monkeys because of the tint of their fur. They typically weigh between 7 and 17 pounds.
Sources:
The Guardian / “St Louis residents report monkeys roaming on city streets”
