The MagazineCanada

Over the weekend, shoppers at Ikea were startled by an unusual scene in the store’s parking area. A seven-month-old rhesus macaque, dressed in a sheep-skin coat, wandered among the rows of cars and drew curious glances from passersby. Authorities said the animal had managed to escape from a crate inside its owner’s car and ventured toward the bustle of a busy weekend crowd. The sight of a small primate in a retail parking lot was jarring, and many onlookers paused to watch as the animal moved with cautious, darting steps. The monkey appeared frightened and disoriented, its nostrils flaring and its eyes wide as it scanned the unfamiliar surroundings. It kept to the periphery of the parking area, avoiding vehicles and people as best it could, but the unfamiliar noise and movement only increased its distress. Store security—trained to respond to a wide range of incidents—maintained a careful distance, not wishing to provoke a reaction that could put shoppers at risk. The animal’s coat, a curious contrast against the pavement, added to the surreal nature of the moment. Witnesses described the scene as startling and a little sad, a reminder that exotic pets can become stressed when placed outside controlled environments. By the time protective services were alerted, the monkey had remained near the store’s exterior, unsure of how it had ended up in a place designed for everyday life and shopping routines.