Authorities in St Louis are facing an unusual and challenging situation as multiple vervet monkeys remain at large, with artificial intelligence-generated misinformation complicating the search effort.
The Search and Confusion
The monkeys were first spotted on Thursday, 8 January 2026, near O'Fallon Park in the north of the city. Justen Hauser, the city bureau chief of environmental health, confirmed in a Saturday update that multiple animals were on the loose in the area. While initial reports suggested four monkeys, officials stated they could only confirm there was more than one and could not provide an exact number.
The St. Louis Zoo has identified the primates as vervet monkeys, a species native to sub-Saharan Africa. Weighing between 7 and 17 pounds (3.18 to 7.71 kilograms), they are sometimes known as green monkeys due to their fur's tint.
AI-Generated Misinformation Obstructs Efforts
Willie Springer, a spokesperson for the city's Department of Health, revealed that the unusual sightings have sparked a flood of rumours, many amplified by AI. People have falsely reported capturing the monkeys and have even posted fake pictures online to support these claims.
"It's been a lot in regard to AI and what's genuine and what's not," Springer said on Monday 12 January. He added that while people are likely "just having fun" without meaning harm, the misinformation makes the task of locating the animals significantly harder. As of that Monday, the monkeys were still not captured.
Ownership Uncertain and Public Warning Issued
It remains unclear where the monkeys came from, who owns them, or how they escaped. Keeping such animals is illegal within the city, leading Springer to doubt that anyone will come forward to claim them. Animal control services are now collaborating with primate experts from the St. Louis Zoo to track and safely capture the animals.
Once caught, the monkeys will be transferred to a facility certified to care for exotic animals. Officials have strongly urged residents to stay away from the monkeys and call for professional help instead. A news release described vervet monkeys as intelligent and social but warned they can become unpredictable or aggressive if stressed.
