Law enforcement officers in Jefferson County, Missouri, encountered an unusual situation on Monday when they responded to a report of a loose primate. Deputies discovered a spider monkey, typically found in the jungles of Central and South America, sporting a pink tutu near Route 21 and Highway M.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, using a humorous tone on social media platform X, described the monkey as being “naked except for what appeared to be a tutu.” They detailed the careful negotiations required to approach the primate and bring the “bananas situation” under control without any incidents.
According to authorities, the exotic monkey had escaped from a nearby residence after managing to open a door. The Sheriff’s Office shared several heartwarming photos of deputies interacting with the monkey, including one image where a deputy is seen holding the animal's hand.
The Sheriff's Office emphasized the unpredictable nature of their work, stating that this incident was a prime example of how officers must be ready for anything. They commended the deputies involved for safely returning the monkey to its owner.
It is worth noting that owning a spider monkey in Missouri requires a permit. This incident follows a recent case in California where a spider monkey in a onesie was found in a speeding Rolls-Royce. It also comes after a larger incident in November where dozens of rhesus macaque monkeys escaped a South Carolina research facility.
