Monkeying Around: Runaway Spider Monkey in Tutu Stops Traffic on Missouri Highway
A tutu-wearing spider monkey had to make a pit stop on a Missouri highway—because who wouldn’t want to rock that look? 🌐 #News #OttoMO #Missouri #Crime
OTTO, MO – A runaway (and totally adorable) spider monkey, dressed in nothing but a pink tutu, was discovered along a Missouri highway on Friday afternoon. The unusual sight led authorities into action to ensure the animal was safely captured and returned home, creating a bizarre scene that quickly grabbed attention.
The Monkey’s Unexpected Highway Adventure
Around 4 p.m. on Friday, deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office were called to a stretch of Highway 21 and Highway M near Otto, Missouri, located about 28 miles southwest of St. Louis. The call? A report of a monkey “monkeying around” in the area. When the deputies arrived, they found the animal “naked except for what appeared to be a tutu.”
Photos shared by the sheriff’s office show the small, 8-pound monkey sitting in the grass, still wearing its pink tutu while deputies cautiously approached.
The scene, complete with the tutu-clad animal, captured the attention of locals and deputies alike. With some “careful negotiations and coaxing,” one of the officers successfully scooped up the monkey, managing to “bring this bananas situation under control without incident.”
A Successful Capture and Safe Return
Shortly after the discovery, a woman contacted the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, reporting that she had been caring for the monkey when it managed to escape. She explained that the animal had opened a door and made its way out, leading to the highway encounter.
Thankfully, the situation ended without any issues, and the monkey was safely returned to its caretaker shortly after being found. The sheriff’s office shared the news, ensuring everyone knew the little monkey was no longer at large.
Legalities Surrounding Spider Monkeys in Missouri
Although it is illegal to keep spider monkeys as pets in Missouri, they can be imported, transported, and sold for certain purposes. These include activities like research, breeding, or exhibition, provided the proper U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permits are obtained.
RELATED TOPICS: Animals | Missouri
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