Monkey Business: Wild rhesus macaque spotted at Mount Dora hotel

June 26, 2026 - 01:10

Guests and staff at the historic Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora, Florida, got an unexpected dose of wildlife this week when a wild rhesus macaque showed up on the property. The monkey spent about 45 minutes roaming around the hotel, climbing trees and checking out the scenery before moving on. The unusual visitor quickly became the talk of the town.

The hotel and several local businesses leaned into the moment with playful, monkey-themed posts on social media. The lighthearted reaction helped engage the community and drew a lot of smiles. But wildlife officials were quick to offer a serious reminder: people should not approach or feed wild monkeys. These animals can carry diseases that are dangerous to humans, and feeding them can make them lose their natural fear of people.

Authorities are asking anyone who spots the monkey to report it rather than try to interact with it. So far, the macaque has not returned to the hotel, but it has been seen in other parts of downtown Mount Dora. For now, the monkey remains on the loose, and locals are keeping their eyes open.