When a playful pet spider monkey slips away, it sparks a heartwarming rescue mission — fueled by nothing less than a cup of coffee! This unusual story unfolded in a small South Carolina town where a spider monkey named Ava made a great escape during a popular local festival, causing quite a stir before being safely brought back. But here’s where it gets interesting — the key to catching Ava wasn’t a trap or a net, but a simple, aromatic cup of hot coffee.
The incident happened at the annual Crappie Classic and Fall Fest in Eutawville, where Ava broke free from her owner and wandered around, much to the alarm of festival-goers and town officials alike. The search for the tiny primate became a community effort, with the mayor and town clerk personally joining the chase to find the scared little monkey. According to The Post and Courier, this wasn’t just any lost pet — Ava’s escapade quickly became the talk of the town.
"Every year, Eutawville festivals are known for something unforgettable — and this year definitely didn’t disappoint!" the town remarked in an official statement.
The search party, including town clerk Casey Hill along with Mayor Brandon Weatherford and his wife, Laura, eventually spotted Ava near a vehicle parked by a local barbershop. Hill described the little monkey’s distress, saying, "She was making a lot of noise — you could tell she was frightened and confused."
Their pursuit carried on to the front of the First National Bank of South Carolina. There, Casey Hill had a clever idea: she placed an uncovered cup of steaming coffee on the ground, letting the inviting smell lure Ava closer. This quick thinking paid off — fascinated by the scent, Ava cautiously approached, allowing Hill to step on her leash and safely contain her.
With Ava secured, officials located her owner, reuniting them amid relief and joy from the local community.
For a bit of background, spider monkeys get their name from the way they skillfully swing and hang through trees using their extraordinarily long tails, resembling spiders on a web. Sadly, these primates are among the 25 most endangered species of monkeys worldwide, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). However, not every type of spider monkey enjoys legal protection under the Endangered Species Act. Intriguingly, in South Carolina, owning a spider monkey like Ava is currently legal without needing any special permits.
This fascinating rescue not only highlights the bond between humans and their unique pets but also raises questions about wildlife protection laws and exotic animal ownership. What do you think — should there be stricter regulations for keeping such animals as pets? Or does this story show that a little kindness and creativity can solve any problem? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
