Multiple monkeys are on the loose in St. Louis, and AI-generated images are complicating the effort to find them.
The Vervet monkeys were first spotted Thursday near a park in the northern part of the city, prompting “rumor after rumor,” said city Department of Health spokesperson Willie Springer. It’s unclear who owns the monkeys, how they got loose or exactly how many there are.
People have reported capturing the monkeys, even posting fake pictures online to bolster the claim. But as of Monday, the monkeys remained at large, Springer said.
“It’s been a lot in regard to AI and what’s genuine and what’s not,” Springer said. “People are just having fun. Like I don’t think anyone means harm.”
The largest number people have reported seeing is four, Springer said. People aren’t allowed to own the animals in the city, so Springer is doubtful that anyone will come forward to claim them.
