In 1935, approximately 175 rhesus monkeys escaped from Frank Buck’s Jungle Camp in Massapequa, New York, setting off a chaotic search that lasted for weeks. The monkeys stopped commuter trains, raided fruit stands, frightened motorists and even caused a power outage. Locals joined the hunt, lured by cash rewards offered for capturing the fugitives. Some reportedly left saucers of whiskey in the woods, hoping intoxicated monkeys would be easier to catch.
Frank Buck, a renowned animal collector, author and adventurer, operated the Jungle Camp, which featured attractions such as Monkey Mountain. Buck was famous for capturing and shipping wild animals to the United States for zoos, circuses and his own attractions. His expeditions later became the subject of films including Bring ’Em Back Alive and Wild Cargo .
