SPRINGFIELD — Dizzy the guenon monkey is still on the loose in Forest Park as of Wednesday evening, and zookeepers trying to retrieve him are pleading with the public to stay away.
According to the Zoo in Forest Park’s Facebook page, Dizzy escaped on Tuesday while a staff member was cleaning his enclosure. The zoo was closed after he got out to ensure Dizzy’s safety from the public, and police and handlers have been trying to get him back to the enclosure since then.
Police provided infrared equipment so zookeepers could keep track of the monkey through the night, and they continued to keep an eye on him Wednesday. The staff has been trying to lure Dizzy down from the trees in the park with food.
A Facebook update posted by the zoo Wednesday evening said that the zoo’s team was almost able to get Dizzy home Tuesday evening, but an onlooker threw something at him and scared him off again.
“Dizzy is still in the zoo, but is being very quiet and is most likely napping. We imagine his adventure is making him very tired. We have brought his mate, Mitzy, out and returned her to their shared enclosure in efforts to entice Dizzy back to his home. Zoo staff is working around the clock to return Dizzy to his home and we appreciate the continued cooperation of the media and the public in remaining quiet and allowing us the space we need to do our jobs. If Dizzy does not come home tonight, the zoo will be closed for the day tomorrow,” the post read.
The zoo has emphasized that the monkey, which weighs 12 pounds, is not a threat to the public.
Many people have expressed concern for Dizzy’s safety, reflected by comments left on the zoo’s Facebook page.