Capuchin monkey escapes from North Carolina zoo

Sept. 18 (UPI) — A capuchin monkey escaped from a North Carolina zoo and was caught on camera walking across utility lines in Iredell County.

Iredell County Animal Services issued a public notice Wednesday informing local residents that the money escaped from Zootastic Park in Troutman and had been spotted wandering the area.

The Iredell Firewire shared a video captured by a resident that shows the monkey climbing a pole and walking across utility lines in Troutman.

Zoo owner Scott Brown said the monkey is a 5-year-old female and was noticed missing from her enclosure about 8 a.m. Wednesday. He is working together with local authorities to try to locate the primate, which he said zookeepers hope will return on her own once she gets hungry or tired.

Brown said the monkey escaped by pulling wire bars far enough apart for her to squeeze through.

Local residents are being urged not to attempt to approach or capture the monkey if spotted, and to instead contact animal services.