Several monkeys still on the loose in St Louis as officials call off search for roaming animals

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Several monkeyscontinue to be on the loose in St.Louis, Missouri, according to city officials — and now, the city’s Department of Health has called off its search for the roaming animals.

The animals were first reported near a park on the city’s north side on Thursday, Department of Health spokesperson Willie Springer told The Associated Press.

The monkeys are believed to be vervet monkeys.

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Vervet monkeys are medium-sized primates native to Africa.

They’re known for their grayish-green fur and dark facial features, according to the African Wildlife Foundation.

Vervet monkey sitting on a tree branch in a lush green forest.

An unknown number of vervet monkeys, such as the one shown here, are said to be on the loose in St.Louis, Missouri. (iStock)

Vervet monkeys that live near human populations are sometimes considered pests — as theymay steal food, raid crops, and take other items, often leading to lethal control measures, the foundation noted.

At this time, it is unclear exactly how many monkeys are on the loose — and who owns them.

Group of vervet monkeys sitting among dense green foliage in a forest.

There is no clear information yet about how many monkeys are loose or who they belong to, officials said. (iStock)

Officials, including primate experts at theSt.Louis Zoo,had been working to locate the animals.

As residents are keeping an eye out for the monkeys, someAI-generated imagesand false reports have complicated efforts to track and capture the monkeys, officials said.

Entrance of the Saint Louis Zoo with signage visible and visitors walking inside.

Primate experts from the St.Louis Zoo had been assisting in the search for the animals.As of Monday, the city’s Department of Health called off its search for the roaming animals.(Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)

“It’s been a lot in regard to AI and what’s genuine and what’s not,” Springer said.“People are just having fun … I don’t think anyone means harm.”

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City officials have urged residents not to approachthe monkeysand to contact authorities instead.

Louis Animal Control and the St.Louis Zoo for further comment.

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On Monday, the city shifted its efforts from investigation to enforcement of its wild animal ordinance, according to Justin Hauser, the health department’s environmental health bureau chief, asreported.

The city is aware of sightings and videos shared on social media, Hauser also said.“Those posts cannot be verified and have not been used in the city’s searches,�

The Associated Press contributed reporting.