A bizarre and challenging situation is unfolding in the American city of St Louis, Missouri, where a troop of escaped vervet monkeys continues to roam free, with artificial intelligence unexpectedly complicating efforts to recapture them.
The Elusive Primates and the AI Problem
The monkeys were first spotted on Thursday and were confirmed to still be at large by the following Monday, 12 January 2026. The origin of the primates remains a complete mystery; officials do not know who owns them, how they escaped, or even the exact number on the loose.
Compounding the problem, local residents have begun posting fake AI-generated images online, falsely claiming to have captured the animals. Willie Springer, a spokesperson for the St Louis Department of Health, confirmed these digital deceptions are fuelling rumours and hindering the official response. "It's been a lot in regard to AI and what's genuine and what's not," Mr Springer stated, though he added that he believes people are "just having fun" and don't mean harm.
The Search Operation and Public Safety Warning
Animal control officers, aided by primate experts from the St Louis Zoo, are actively searching the streets. NBC News reported that officers are patrolling with catch poles, ready to seize any monkeys they find. Justen Hauser, bureau chief for environmental health, emphasised the uniqueness of the incident, telling the network, "This is the first time we have had a situation dealing with monkeys at large in the city of St Louis."
The largest credible sighting so far has been of four monkeys. Authorities have issued a clear warning for the public to stay away from the animals and call for professional assistance if they are seen. Vervet monkeys, while intelligent and social, can become unpredictable or aggressive when under stress.
Legal and Logistical Challenges
The case is further complicated by local law. Mr Springer noted that it is illegal to own exotic animals in St Louis, making it highly unlikely that anyone will come forward to claim the troop. This leaves officials with the sole task of locating and securing the primates.
Native to sub-Saharan Africa, vervet monkeys—sometimes called green monkeys for their fur's tint—typically weigh between 7 and 17 pounds (3.18 to 7.71 kg). Their unexpected presence in a major US urban centre presents a significant and unusual challenge for the city's animal control and health departments, a challenge now oddly intertwined with the era of AI misinformation.
