Mysterious Monkey Sighting Sparks Curiosity in North Myrtle Beach Community

Monkey Business in North Myrtle Beach: What’s the Buzz?

So, last month, North Myrtle Beach turned a few heads when reports started swirling about a monkey running wild in the area. Yep, you heard that right! Residents took to social media, curious and a bit bemused by the thought of our furry friend hanging out on the Grand Strand. Police even made a couple of attempts to track down the little guy, but no luck! It seems those mischievous monkeys can be hard to catch.

Now, while the idea of a monkey roaming the beaches might sound a bit out there, it turns out that there are actually folks around here who own monkeys as pets! We chatted with a few local monkey enthusiasts who shed some light on this unusual trend. Donna Greenough Cantalupo, for instance, shared that owning monkeys can feel like having a toddler with a knack for sneakers. “It’s like having a two-year-old for the rest of your life—with Air Jordans,” she says, referring to her two pet monkeys in Longs.

Why Monkeys?

So why would anyone want a monkey as a pet? For Trina Owens, who moved to Longs from Boston, the appeal lies in the companionship they offer. Having left behind ten kids and thirteen grandkids, she started yearning for something to love. “When you look online and see videos of people with their monkeys as part of the family, it’s clear they’re the closest thing to having a buddy,” she revealed. It seems that our primate pals fill that familial void for many.

But let’s get real for a second: owning a monkey isn’t like having a cat or dog. It’s more like parenting a very active child. Former Myrtle Beach monkey owner, who goes by Brie, noted the challenges. “You have to change diapers just like with a baby!” she said, chuckling. “Plus, they can be pretty picky eaters.”

Getting Your Hands on a Monkey

If you’re curious about getting a monkey of your own, brace yourself for sticker shock! Donna dished out a whopping $15,000 for her second monkey, Brenna, and about $3,500 for her first, Sisco. Prices have jumped significantly in just four years! All three owners agreed that monkeys can be tricky to find. You usually have to go through breeders or other private owners. And finding one that’s healthy? Now that’s the challenge.

The cost doesn’t stop there. Just like any other household pet, the financial commitment of a monkey keeps growing, especially when it comes to veterinary care. Finding a vet who knows their monkeys is like searching for a needle in a haystack! Donna mentioned how she had to travel to Charleston and Durham for her monkey’s check-ups. Prices for a vet visit can start at $1,000, not including vaccines or emergencies. And yes, they can get sick just like humans!

Feeding Furry Friends

On a lighter note, feeding a monkey isn’t rocket science. Alongside fruits and veggies, they often munch on monkey-specific food that can be ordered online. Trina jokingly said, “My monkeys love their monkey biscuits—such picky eaters for those little guys!” Interestingly, Sisco has developed a taste for Italian wedding soup. No surprise there, right? Who wouldn’t crave a hearty bowl of soup?

The Mystery of the Loose Monkey

As folks in North Myrtle Beach keep scratching their heads about the mystery monkey, there’s a chance it was part of this private ownership scene. In South Carolina, it’s legal to privately own monkeys that aren’t classified as great apes like gorillas. Yet, if a monkey went rogue, it might’ve been one that was abandoned or simply got loose, perhaps acting out in teenage monkey rebellion.

With all the excitement surrounding this monkey business, it appears the fascination with primates is just a part of the Grand Strand lifestyle. Whether it’s for companionship, nostalgia, or just plain fun, monkey owners are thriving. As Trina says, “There’s hundreds of us. They’re everywhere.”

So, next time someone mentions a monkey in town, don’t be surprised! Just remember, there may be quite a few families in our community that consider these little creatures a part of their clan. Who knows, maybe you’ll spot a stray monkey next time you’re out shopping or strolling along the beach!