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Search Continues for Missing Monkey in N.H.

See web page for video footage:
http://www.whdh.com/news/local6.shtml


DANVILLE, N.H. -- Roughly a dozen people, including Fire Chief David
Kimball, say they recently saw a large monkey on the loose in this
small town of 3,800 people in southern New Hampshire.

"I couldn't believe what I was seeing," he said. Neither could his
wife. "She told me I had flipped when I told her."

Kimball said he was driving through town recently when the monkey
jumped into the middle of the street, hopped a bit, then lunged away.

On Sunday volunteers and animal control officers used bananas and
oranges to try to attract the monkey.

Experts hope to capture the monkey before it gets any cooler. They
said otherwise the creature is unlikely to live past November.

Kimball thinks he identified the monkey as a Humbolt's woolly monkey,
which is native to the Amazon, after watching television programs on
the Adventure Channel.

"It would be quite tall, maybe about four feet, if it were standing
straight up, but they walk on all fours, a bit hunched over," he
said. He described the creature as very woolly and dark brown all
over with a red hue.

Kimball said he thinks somebody in the area was keeping the monkey as
a pet, but won't admit it escaped because it is illegal to keep
monkeys in New Hampshire.

He said his research indicated Humbolt monkeys supposedly make good
pets. He said it is legal to purchase monkeys in Massachusetts.

Kimball said he knows of at least eight other people who have spotted
the monkey around town.

"They're all getting the same reaction when they tell someone they've
seen it," he said. "People tell them they're crazy."

The chief said the town's animal control officer has contacted a
wildlife expert, who has expressed interest in trying to trap the
monkey.

"Fish and Game had no interest in it because it's not a native
animal," Kimball said.

Animal Control Officer Denise Laratondo said she is trying to find
the monkey's home.

"We aren't going to press any charges," she said. "We just want to do
what's best for this animal and keep it alive."

She also said it is best that people not try to capture the monkey.

"Please let the experts handle it," she said. (AP)

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