A recent incident at a Spirit Halloween store in Plano, Texas, captivated shoppers when a pet monkey escaped its owner and spent over half an hour swinging from the store’s rafters and poles. Arlene Pinkston and her daughters were in the store when they first spotted the monkey, prompting surprise and curiosity among the shoppers. “My daughter looked up and said, ‘What in the world?’ and I looked up and said, ‘Well, it’s got a diaper on so I guess it is real,’” Pinkston recounted.
Employees, including Jimmy Harris, confirmed that the monkey reportedly fled in response to an animatronic display that seemed to startle it. “It was entertaining,” he said, noting that many patrons simply stood by to watch the unusual spectacle as the monkey playfully swung around, much to the delight of children eager to catch a glimpse.
A police officer arrived towards the end of the monkey’s escapade, observing that the animal was indeed wearing a diaper as it executed its acrobatic maneuvers. Ultimately, the situation was resolved when the monkey’s owner lured it down with a cookie, allowing the officer to safely gain control of the animal. Fortunately, no injuries occurred, and the monkey posed no threat to the customers in the store.
In a related event, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department in Missouri reported that three Rhesus monkeys escaped after a truck carrying them from Tulane University was involved in a crash on Interstate 59. These incidents highlight the unexpected and often amusing challenges that come with pet ownership, especially when exotic animals are involved. While some chaos ensued, the outcome was positive, showcasing the ability of authorities and owners to handle unusual situations effectively.