Escaped Vervet Monkeys Loose in St. Louis, AI Hinders Capture

On 12 January 2026, a troop of unknown number of vervet monkeys was still at large in St. Louis, Missouri, after first sightings on Thursday. Residents claimed to have captured the animals, but many posts contained AI‑generated images that misled the public. St. Louis Department of Health spokesperson Willie Springer said the incident sparked “rumor after rumor,” noting the largest group sighted was four. Animal‑control officers are partnered with zooship experts from the St. Louis Zoo to recapture the primates. Vervet monkeys, native to sub‑Saharan Africa, weigh 7‑17 pounds and are illegal to own in this city, making ownership claims unlikely. Authorities are monitoring the area and urging residents to stay away from the monkeys and contact police if they witness them.