Introduction
In the heart of New York City, during the bustling year of 1935, an unexpected event caused absolute chaos — a monkey escape that made headlines across the country. This bizarre incident not only startled the residents but also became a historic story of laughter, confusion, and mayhem. This is the incredible tale of “The Great Monkey Escape of 1935” — a moment when primates took over the Big Apple.
Table of Contents
How the Great Monkey Escape Began
In 1935, the Bronx Zoo was one of the most popular attractions in New York. It housed a wide variety of exotic animals, including a large troop of mischievous monkeys. On a seemingly normal morning, a zookeeper accidentally left one of the enclosure gates unlocked during feeding time.
Within minutes, over 50 monkeys found their opportunity and made a daring escape into the city streets. The scene quickly turned chaotic as the monkeys scattered in all directions — climbing trees, jumping on cars, and startling pedestrians.
New York in Panic — and Amusement
As word spread about the monkey escape, panic mixed with amusement. People gathered with cameras, newspapers dispatched reporters, and the police were called to control the situation.
Monkeys were seen:
- Swinging from telephone wires
- Entering local shops and cafes
- Stealing fruit from vendors
- Causing traffic jams by leaping onto cars
Despite the confusion, many residents found the event hilarious. Children cheered while shop owners weren’t as thrilled, chasing the monkeys out with brooms.
The Rescue Mission
The New York Police Department, along with zookeepers, launched an urgent rescue mission. Officers carried nets, ropes, and even tranquilizer darts, but catching the agile monkeys wasn’t easy.
It took more than 8 hours to round up most of them. Some monkeys cleverly evaded capture by hiding on rooftops, under cars, or inside buildings.
The Aftermath
By evening, most of the escaped monkeys were safely returned to the Bronx Zoo. A few remained missing for days but were eventually caught.
No serious injuries were reported, but a few minor damages occurred, including:
- Broken fruit stands
- Scratched car roofs
- Disrupted telephone lines
The Bronx Zoo quickly improved its safety protocols to prevent future escapes.
How the Great Monkey Escape Became History
The event made front-page news in newspapers like The New York Times and The Daily News. It even became the subject of jokes on radio shows and comedy performances in theaters.
To this day, the Great Monkey Escape of 1935 is remembered as one of New York’s most unusual and humorous moments.
Fun Facts About the Monkey Escape
- Some monkeys were found miles away from the zoo.
- A barber reportedly had a monkey enter his shop and play with scissors.
- The event boosted zoo ticket sales the following week because everyone wanted to “meet the escape artists.”
Conclusion
The Great Monkey Escape of 1935 was a wild chapter in New York’s history — a reminder that sometimes, even in a bustling metropolis, nature finds a way to surprise us. It’s a story of humor, chaos, and community coming together to solve an unusual problem.