TENNESSEE — Just six days into 2026, animal antics are already making headlines. A mischievous monkey recently caused chaos in a Tennessee music store, leaving a big mess in its wake.
Store owner Loretta Bryant described the unexpected visit from the primate, noting that the animal seemed uninterested in most of the store’s merchandise. However, the monkey did make a mess of food and office supplies.
Security footage from Sunday captured the antics of Chester, a cinnamon capuchin monkey. Chester entered the business through a small pet door and proceeded to have a playful romp inside the store. He was seen tossing around a box and fiddling with a keyboard.
“There was bags of potato chips busted,” Bryant said. “I watched him open a pack of crackers and eat them. He really hated computer keyboards. There were three computer keyboards just bashed.”
Fortunately, Chester did not damage any musical instruments or expensive items. However, he did leave a mess by turning on water faucets at four sinks, causing them to overflow.
Authorities later captured Chester, who is believed to have been stolen from a farm in Alabama and transported to the Morristown area, where he was sold.
This incident of monkey mischief began with a kidnapping in Alabama, highlighting that animal crimes are already a notable theme in 2026.
