Albert Lea police had an unusual find early Saturday morning: a spider monkey wandering loose in the cold. The monkey, named McNugget, was eventually warmed up in the back of a squad car before being reunited with her owner.
Officers responded Saturday morning to a report of a suspicious character hanging around, according to kttc.com. That suspicious character turned out to be McNugget, a spider monkey, whom officers found outside in the cold, as reported by kaaltv.com. Her owner was traveling through the area, and McNugget had gotten loose.
Negotiating With a Monkey
Getting McNugget under control apparently took a bit of finesse. The monkey was friendly and cooperative — after some negotiation — and happy to warm up in a squad car, the same report notes. Once she calmed down, officers were able to keep her safe and comfortable while they sorted out where she belonged.
McNugget's owner had been traveling through the area. The Albert Lea Police Department said the two were safely reunited.
Back On the Road
With the reunion complete, McNugget and her owner were soon back on their way. The department said McNugget has been safely reunited with her owner, and the two are making their way home down the interstate, the same account states.
Minnesota law does address exotic pets like spider monkeys. According to the Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes, state statute includes “all nonhuman primates” among regulated animals and names monkeys specifically among its examples. The available record does not clarify how McNugget came to be with her owner on the road or whether any legal exception applied to the situation.
