Photos of monkeys on the loose in Newark are likely AI hoax

David Matthews, New York Daily News on Oct 23, 2025

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Newark police responded to a high-rise apartment complex Thursday morning after receiving reports of monkeys on the loose that turned out to most likely be an AI-generated social media hoax.

Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda said the monkeys were reported at Georgia King Village around 10:35 a.m., however no animals were found during a thorough search.

The response was reportedly sparked by a Facebook photo that appeared to show wild monkeys climbing around a dumpster at the complex, according to 1010 Wins.

A similar incident was reported elsewhere in Newark on Wednesday, drawing a large response from animal control.

“Officers have not located any monkeys,” Miranda said Thursday. “Any photos or videos posted on social media regarding this incident are likely AI-generated.”

A similar hoax occurred in Yonkers last month when people were sent photos of an AI-generated man in their homes, leading to reports of intruders.

“We need to use AI the right way and not play around too much. Having the police come for something that’s not real is a waste of their time when they could be doing other things,” Newark resident Richard Chapman told PIX 11.

No charges have been filed, though investigators are searching for whoever posted the photos. Under New Jersey law, it’s a crime to create a false public alarm.