Authorities Search for Mystery Vervet Monkeys Roaming St. Louis Neighborhoods
ST. LOUIS, Mo. — City officials are actively searching for an unknown number of vervet monkeys that have been seen wandering in the northern parts of St. Louis, raising concerns among residents and animal experts alike. The first sightings of these unusual visitors were reported on January 8 near O’Fallon Park, prompting the St. Louis Department of Health to launch an investigation into the origin and whereabouts of the primates.
Justen Hauser, bureau chief of environmental health at the department, confirmed that while initial reports suggested four monkeys, the exact number remains uncertain. “We cannot confirm an actual number at this time, only that there is more than one,” Hauser said in a statement reviewed by The New York Times. Experts from the St. Louis Zoo identified the animals as vervet monkeys, a species native to East Africa known for their intelligence and agility.
Over the weekend, animal control officers attempted to capture the monkeys but were unsuccessful as the primates evaded efforts to contain them. Additional sightings have been reported, indicating the animals are still at large and possibly seeking food or shelter within the city’s green spaces. Hauser emphasized the department’s ongoing efforts to track the monkeys’ movements, stating, “We are working to get an idea of where they may be hiding or seeking food.” Once captured, the monkeys will be transferred to a facility certified to care for exotic animals, ensuring their safety and proper treatment.
The presence of vervet monkeys in an urban environment is highly unusual, and the source of their escape remains a mystery. Hauser noted that it is illegal to keep monkeys or other primates as pets within St. Louis city limits, a regulation designed to protect both public safety and animal welfare. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vervet monkeys typically weigh between 6 and 11 pounds and are known for their social behavior and adaptability in the wild.
The St. Louis Department of Health is coordinating with local animal control and wildlife experts to safely capture the monkeys and prevent any potential risks to residents. Officials have urged the public to avoid approaching the animals, describing vervet monkeys as “intelligent but unpredictable,” and to report any sightings to the city’s animal control hotline.
This incident adds to a growing list of unusual animal encounters reported across the United States in recent months, including a peacock roaming near a Tennessee real estate office and a bear repeatedly breaking into a candy store in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The U.S. Department of Agriculture advises that exotic animals found in urban areas pose challenges for both public health and wildlife management, underscoring the importance of professional intervention.
As the search continues, city officials remain committed to resolving the situation swiftly and humanely, ensuring the safety of both the community and the vervet monkeys. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and to report any new information that could assist in the animals’ recovery.
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