On Friday afternoon, deputies in Jefferson County, Missouri, responded to reports of a monkey on the loose near a highway. They discovered a spider monkey adorned in a tutu, which had accidentally escaped from a nearby residence after managing to open a door.

The sheriff’s office documented the encounter, explaining that with some careful coaxing, deputies were able to approach the playful monkey and take control of the situation without any incidents. Pictures taken at the scene show a deputy interacting with the monkey, showcasing a peaceful resolution to the unusual incident.

Once the monkey was safely apprehended, it was returned to its caretaker. The sheriff’s office emphasized that this event illustrates the unpredictability of law enforcement work and the necessity for officers to remain adaptable in diverse circumstances.

Additionally, there are concerns regarding the type of spider monkey involved, as many species are considered endangered or critically endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature's red list. This incident follows a similar event in California, where police found another spider monkey during a traffic stop, highlighting the ongoing issues with illegal pet ownership of such animals.