WALTERBORO, S.C. — A missing monkey whose disappearance had caused a stir in South Carolina has been located and is back with its owner.
Monday morning Colleton County Animal Services said that Bradley, a 15-year-old Japanese Macaque, had been captured, according to the animal's owner.
"The outpouring of concern and information from Colleton County residents has been overwhelming and we are thankful for the public's support in helping to locate Bradley," Colleton Animal Services said in a statement. "We so appreciate the community's support for animal welfare."
It's unclear exactly how the animal was taken back and where the animal was ultimately found.
On Thursday, May 23, Bradley escaped from his habitat near Walterboro in Colleton County. The animal had been at that habitat for six years.
Colleton County Animal Services Director Laura Clark said the monkey's owner immediately contacted her office that the animal was unaccounted for. Clark said Saturday that professionals were hired to help bring the animal home. She said because of all the coverage of the animal's disappearance on both social media and news outlets, she said the owners efforts to find the animal on his own were hampered.
The animal wasn't considered dangerous or aggressive but since the animal was wild, there was some slight concern to other small animals. The Colleton County Sheriff's Office had reported that Bradley attempted to attack a resident's dog and urged residents to be vigilant when letting their animals out as a precaution.
The Japanese Macaque go back and forth between living on the ground and in the threes. They're also known for leaping and are good swimmers and are noted for their intelligence.