Monkeys are roaming the streets of St. Louis and fake images are complicating efforts to find them

January 13, 2026

TL;DR

Multiple Vervet monkeys are loose in St. Louis.
AI-generated images are complicating the search effort.
It is unclear who owns the monkeys, how they escaped, or their exact number.
Residents have reported seeing up to four monkeys.
Owning these animals is illegal in the city.
Some residents expressed concerns about rabies and the monkeys' potential hiding places.
Animal control is collaborating with primate experts from the St. Louis Zoo.
Vervet monkeys are native to sub-Saharan Africa and weigh between 7 to 17 pounds.
Residents are advised to stay away from the monkeys and call for assistance.
The monkeys may be unpredictable or aggressive under stress and could challenge dogs or young children.

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