Escaped Capuchin Monkey Causes Mayhem in Tennessee Music Store Before Being Recaptured
MORRISTOWN, Tenn. — A cinnamon capuchin monkey sparked chaos inside a Morristown music store Sunday morning before fleeing the scene, only to be safely captured later that evening. Authorities say the mischievous primate caused significant damage to instruments at the Trade Center music store, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement and animal control officers.
According to the Morristown Police Department, officers received a call around 8 a.m. reporting a monkey running wild inside the store. Animal control personnel arrived promptly, but the agile capuchin managed to escape before they could secure it. The monkey’s rampage left a trail of destruction among the store’s inventory, disrupting business and alarming employees.
After hours of searching, the primate was apprehended at a different location Sunday night. Police confirmed the monkey was unharmed and taken into custody by a licensed primate keeper authorized by the United States Department of Agriculture. The keeper informed authorities that the monkey was allegedly stolen from a farm in Alabama and subsequently sold in Morristown, raising concerns about illegal wildlife trafficking.
“We are aware of the allegation that the animal was stolen, and we will be continuing the investigation,” the Morristown Police Department said in a statement provided to WATE-TV. The ongoing inquiry aims to determine the circumstances surrounding the monkey’s theft and sale, as well as any potential violations of federal and state laws.
The incident highlights the challenges local authorities face when dealing with exotic animals that may be kept illegally or transported without proper documentation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service enforces regulations designed to protect wildlife and prevent unlawful trade, but cases like this underscore the need for vigilance.
Residents of Morristown expressed relief that the monkey was safely recaptured without injury to people or the animal. The Trade Center music store has since begun assessing the damage and plans to resume normal operations soon. Meanwhile, animal welfare advocates emphasize the importance of responsible ownership and adherence to legal protocols when it comes to exotic pets.
For more information on regulations regarding exotic animals and wildlife trafficking, visit the USDA Animal Welfare page and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife Trafficking program. This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in managing non-native species and the critical role of law enforcement in protecting both communities and animals.
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