Shoppers at the Spirit Halloween store in Plano, Texas, received an unexpected Halloween surprise on Friday. We all love to dress up for Halloween, and it would appear an escaped monkey was no different, as it decided to cosplay as King Louie, swinging its way between the rafters and shelving units of the store.
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An animatronic Halloween decoration within the store had reportedly spooked the primate, which was seen wearing a diaper. So, just like any of us would, the monkey hightailed it out of there, getting itself to higher ground before putting some distance between itself and the fright night decortation.
As you can imagine, the scene caused quite a stir within the store. Shoppers who had quickly run to get some last-minute candy for trick-or-treaters or a new costume for a party certainly got more than they bargained for. Nevertheless, it provided an entertaining story for later that day. It also more than likely added several photos to multiple camera rolls.
Good News! The Monkey's Owner Was Eventually Found
Someone eventually found the escaped monkey's owner, providing shoppers with a real-life rendition of Ross and Marcel from the 90s sitcom "Friends." Hilariously, the owner needed the assistance of a cookie to entice the pet down from the rafters.
"Fortunately, no one was injured, and no decorations were damaged," News4SanAntonio reported on Nov. 1.
Despite the happy ending, authorities instructed the shopper to ensure they keep their pet on a leash in the future.
Is It Legal To Have a Pet Monkey in Texas?
While some species of monkeys are legal in the state of Texas, others are considered "dangerous wild animals" under Texas Animal Control regulations. Those species of monkey include baboons, orangutans, gorillas, and chimpanzees.
Fortunately for those at Spirit Halloween, the escaped monkey was not considered a "dangerous wild animal." Nevertheless, its sudden appearance overhead and the likely noises it made would have certainly gotten the blood pumping.
Still, Halloween is all about being scared. The only difference is that, for that one night, you usually experience fear on your own terms.
