Pet Spider Monkey Escapes During Fall Festival and Is Safely Recovered

A small primate named Ava managed to escape from its owner during a popular fall event in Eutawville, South Carolina, causing a temporary commotion in the town. The monkey was seen running loose through the area, prompting a search involving local officials, including the mayor and town clerk.

Rescue efforts culminated when authorities located Ava near a barbershop. Town clerk Casey Hill and the mayor—along with the mayor’s wife—tracked her to a nearby vehicle. To lure her out of the trees and onto the ground, Hill placed a cup of hot coffee on the pavement, its enticing aroma prompting Ava to approach. As she investigated, Hill quickly secured her with a leash.

Monkey sitting on a brick wall with a road and a red car in the background. — The rescue team found Ava hanging around a barbershop after a spirited hunt.

Officials successfully reunited Ava with her owner afterward. The incident highlights the fact that spider monkeys, known for dangling from trees with their long tails, are among the world’s most threatened primates, according to conservation groups. Despite their endangered status, owning a spider monkey remains legal in South Carolina without a permit, as not all varieties are protected under the Endangered Species Act.