Monkeys on the loose in St Louis after four-day search

Multiple vervet monkeys are loose in St. Louis, Missouri, after first being spotted on Thursday, prompting concern from animal control officials. The origin of the primates, identified by a St. Louis Zoo expert, is currently unknown. Residents have been warned to avoid approaching the monkeys, described as potentially unpredictable, and to report sightings to the health department. Authorities believe there is more than one monkey, possibly up to four, primarily sighted in the O'Fallon Park neighborhood. Animal care officers are patrolling the area to locate and capture the monkeys, which will then be transported to an appropriate facility. Owning exotic animals like primates is prohibited in St. Louis.

Multiple vervet monkeys have been spotted roaming the streets of north St. Louis this week, near O'Fallon Park. The St. Louis Department of Health is working with partner agencies to safely capture the animals, which have been identified by the St. Louis Zoo as a species common in East Africa. Authorities are unsure of the monkeys' origin, but they are working to locate them and determine where they may be seeking food and shelter. Vervet monkeys are sometimes kept as pets in the US, despite exotic animals, including primates, not being allowed as pets in St Louis. Once captured, the monkeys will be transported to a facility certified to care for exotic animals.