ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Department of Health has ended its search for vervet monkeys reportedly seen in the northern part of the city and is now focusing on enforcing local ordinances that prohibit the ownership of non-human primates.
The decision was announced Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, following several resident reports of monkey sightings beginning Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, near a northern city park. Despite deploying Animal Care and Control officers and increasing patrols after additional reports on Jan. 9, officials were unable to locate the monkeys.
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The St. Louis Department of Public Health said the city is investigating how the animals arrived in St. Louis and whether the wild animal ordinance was violated. The St. Louis Department of Public Health also said that enforcement of the ordinance would be waived for anyone who comes forward and turns in a monkey.
The origin and number of the vervet monkeys remain unknown.
Vervet monkeys are native to sub-Saharan Africa and typically weigh between 7 and 17 pounds. They are sometimes called green monkeys because of the tint of their fur.
Social media posts featuring alleged sightings and captures of the monkeys have included AI-generated images and videos. The city has not used these materials in its investigation due to their unverifiable nature and said such posts have contributed to confusion among residents.
Officials encourage anyone with firsthand information or confirmed sightings to contact the city’s Citizens Service Bureau at 314-622-4800 during business hours or 314-231-1212 after hours and on weekends.
