On New Year’s Eve, Oakland Zoo was contacted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to assist in rescue of a female baby spider monkey.
The spider monkey was a victim of the illegal wildlife pet trade. She arrived at the zoo’s veterinary hospital malnourished, with an abnormal coat and skin, and suffering from an upper respiratory infection.
The zoo estimates her age to be about five to six months. She is being kept off-exhibit in a humidified room to help with her respiratory infection. Veterinary staff are giving her fluids and running tests on her bones and skin.
After the spider monkey has fully recovered, Oakland Zoo will work with CDFW and the Wildlife Confiscation Network (WCN) to find her an appropriate home in an accredited zoo or sanctuary, where she can grow up as normally as possible in a troop of other spider monkeys.
Learn more about the baby spider monkey at the Oakland Zoo website.
About Monkeys as Pets
Exotic animals, like spider monkeys, do not make good pets. Even if people have the best intentions, they simply cannot provide the care necessary for a monkey. Often, pet monkeys suffer from chronic stress, malnutrition, and other health issues.
Furthermore, baby spider monkeys are often poached from the wild and don’t make it past their first birthday.
Learn more at NotAPet.net.
