The escapades of a lost monkey who has been living a life of luxury while the search went on for his rightful owner have gone viral.

The stuffed animal toy, known as Monkey, was found wet and covered in mud in Canterbury yesterday morning by a kind-hearted good Samaritan, who took him in, bathed him and fed him up on chocolate.

Rachel Holloway, 28, came across the tiny cuddly primate while walking beside the river near Toddlers Cove play area.

The full-time university student and mum-of-one then created Facebook posts, shared on Canterbury Residents Group, charting Monkey's adventures as he relaxed at her home in the city.

“I found monkey sitting in a tree along the river walk opposite the play park, he was very muddy and wet and just looked very sad so I decided to take him home and fix him up a bit," said Ms Holloway.

"I thought that there was probably a little boy or girl out there who went home very upset after losing their monkey, so I thought it would bring them a smile when they see that actually, their monkey is having a good time and is waiting somewhere safe for them.

“Monkey has been a great house guest so far. He’s been hanging out with Mrs Elephant, watching cartoons and eating snacks.”

The sociology student, who attends Canterbury Christ Church University, uploaded photos of Monkey taking a bath and drying off with a plush towel before tucking into some Quality Street chocolates, to Canterbury Residents Group on Facebook.

The collage of pictures were captioned with updates about Monkey’s activities.

“He was a little muddy and very wet from the rain, but don’t worry, monkey has had a nice warm bath and a cup of hot chocolate," the post read.

"I’m hoping we can find his owner on here so that he can go home, but for now he is eating some chocolate and watching cartoons with Mrs Elephant.”

The post quickly went viral, racking up thousands of views and hundreds of shares and reactions.

Residents praised Ms Holloway’s creativity and thanked her for the “lovely and thoughtful” updates.

“Omg this cheered me up yesterday and has done the same again today,” remarked one user.

“This is the best post I’ve seen in a long time!! You are amazing! I love that, I hope Monkey is reunited soon” added another.

After day two of the toy’s stay at the Holloway residence, more updates were posted about his activities.

“We haven’t found his owner just yet, but don’t worry, he’s being well looked after,” wrote Ms Holloway.

“Monkey had a sleepover, and some crunchy cookies for breakfast, he’s been playing with Mrs Elephant and has had a swing in the trees all before 9am.”

Some members of the group became emotionally gripped to the stuffed toy’s situation.

“I’m so invested now. Monkey is living my best life and I need to see what happens next,” commented a group member.

“Absolutely love this. Hope his owner is found soon. Almost in tears," wrote another.

Ms Holloway says she has been amazed by the reaction her cheerful updates have received.

"Monkey has been having a great time, he’s been a very polite house guest..."

“It’s been really nice to see people on Facebook come together to try get monkey home," she said.

“I think everybody enjoys the the happiness of a child, and monkey has definitely brought everyone together in a way I didn’t expect.

“Canterbury is a small place, so I thought after about 10 comments his owner would be found, it was a shock when it took off.

“But I’m glad it’s brought a smile to so many faces.

Earlier this evening, Ms Holloway shared the news that Monkey's rightful owner had been found.

"Okay guys, it’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for - Monkey's owner, Amalia, has been found," wrote Ms Holloway.

"Monkey has packed a bag of treats for the journey, he’s hugged Mrs Elephant goodbye and is now on his way home to his favourite human.

"Thank you to everyone who took the time to share and engage with the post, without your help this busy little monkey might not have made it home. "