Hammo the gorilla lifting spirits in regional Victoria during lockdown 4.0

A costumed gorilla is back on the loose in regional Victoria, running through the streets to put a smile on the faces of those living through another lockdown.

The mystery primate refuses to reveal his true identity, but is determined to keep spirits up.

Forget the king of the jungle, this gorilla - named Hammo - is the king of Hamilton, pounding the pavement during lockdown.

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When Hammo was asked what he was doing, he said he just wanted to bring joy to those abiding by restrictions.

"I'm just spreading smiles," he said.

In lockdown 1.0 he became a star - in real life and online, and now the elusive beast has re-emerged.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity he confessed, "I'll keep running until I can go to the pub and have a frothy and have a slow dance with a stranger."

Victoria's chief health officer Brett Sutton is with him - declaring "when this is all over, I'm going to have a frothy with Hammo".

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But Professor Sutton will have to beat the locals first.

"Hammo is a household name now ... we've done banana cakes, milkshakes," one local business owner said.

But his identity remains a mystery.

"No idea and I think that's the beauty of it."

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Local park ranger Jason said even authorities couldn't tame the 'wild' mammal.

"There are some people say he's connected to the pumas up in the Grampians ... if he's sighted up the street he disappears really quickly," Jason said.

Hammo is happy to be captured when the CHO hits the Western Freeway, but for now, the dancing and drinking will remain virtual - from the comfort of his backyard until the lockdown is lifted.