SPRINGFIELD – A dense canopy of trees set the perfect scene for monkey hide-and-go-seek at The Zoo in Forest Park.
But after three days in the wild, and a lively watch party of residents and media camped outside the gates in hopes of catching a glimpse, the prodigal primate was safely back in his enclosure Thursday night.
Dizzy, the 12-pound Guenon monkey that escaped Tuesday from the zoo, was tranquilized and returned after several futile attempts to capture him on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Darlene Blaney, the zoo’s business manager, said the primate had used his opposable thumbs to turn the doorknob to his enclosure and break free around 12:15 p.m. Tuesday after a zoo worker cleaning it shut the cage door but failed to engage the slide bolt.
Zoo workers prepared a feast of apricots and bananas to lure the 8-year-old monkey back into his enclosure, the door to which was left open to encourage his return. Zoo staff also temporarily relocated his mate Mitzy to a smaller enclosure within the larger cage to aid in drawing Dizzy’s attention.
Earlier Thursday, Blaney remained confident about the monkey’s return. “He knows where home is,” she said, adding that a mild tranquilizer would likely be necessary because he is “skittish.”
“We’re listening, looking, and keeping our eyes to the sky,” Blaney said of the staff who kept their eyes peeled for any sign of activity in the trees overhead.
Zoo educator Naomi Haber said “it’s like playing ‘Where’s Waldo,’ but Waldo’s always moving,” as she scanned the greenery for a rustle that might hint at Dizzy’s location.
Their vigilance paid off as the monkey was returned safely after avoiding potential threats outside of the enclosure, the biggest being flying predators such as hawks and eagles, according to Blaney. She provided no details about how he was corralled.
Officials kept the zoo closed Thursday in an attempt to keep the area calm so as not to alarm Dizzy. Signs hung on the bordering play structure reading “playground closed, need quiet for monkey’s return.” Throughout the day, staff members repeatedly circled the perimeter around the zoo grounds.
Local media members were also on “monkey watch” Thursday, each hoping to capture some footage of Dizzy.
“It would be nice to see him come in,” said Andrew Greto, a videographer for 22News, during the afternoon. “Or really, any sign of movement would be nice,” he added.
The monkey’s escape-and-return story has gained traction on social media, attracting the attention of followers to unofficial Twitter accounts for Dizzy such as @RealDizzyMonkey, @DizzyOnTheLoose and @TheRealDizzyFPZ.
And the closed zoo did not stop park passersby from circling the grounds, many with the same question as Kyreem Kynard of Springfield: “Where Dizzy at?”
Bob Robinson of Springfield, who bikes through the park every day, made a brief stop outside of the monkey enclosure hoping to catch a glimpse.
“I’m sorta worried about the little guy,” he said.
A few false-alarm sightings occurred during the early afternoon,with small groups of viewers gathered who excitedly peered through the zoo fence and scanned the trees overhead.
But the worries of many were put to rest after the zoo’s Facebook page provided the announcement just before 6 p.m.
The post read: “We would like to thank Forest Park, zoo staff, Springfield police and all those involved in helping us return Dizzy safely to his home!”
The zoo, which will open at 10 a.m. Friday, is inviting visitors to “welcome Dizzy home from his big adventure.”
Paula Fahey of Longmeadow stopped by the area earlier in the day in hopes of learning that Dizzy had been reunited with his mate.
It’s important, she said, for children to have experiences with zoo animals. Those opportunities build “respect for other living creatures,” she added. The zoo has 10 primates of about four different varieties, according to Blaney.
“They really care, here, and do a really good job,” Fahey said.
Blaney said the escape was a result of human error, and that all cages have double slide bolts.
She called the monkey a “family member” and said they were devastated he was missing.
“We know that he’s taking care of himself, but we want him home,” Blaney said during the morning.
“Thank yous” poured out on the zoo’s Facebook page to everyone who rallied together to find their lost monkey.
“We just hope that he’s had enough of this monkey business,” Blaney said with a chuckle.
Sarah Crosby can be reached at scrosby@gazettenet.com.