Latest news with #CaptivePrimateSafetyAct
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Authorities rescue endangered creature discovered during major drug bust: 'The broader story is devastating'
The Oakland Zoo has a new, adorable, bug-eyed friend: Violeta, the spider monkey. The local Sheriff's department rescued her during a narcotics-related search in Vallejo, California. Veterinarians at the Oakland Zoo believe she's about 18 months old and said she is in stable condition, as Patch reported. Violeta's veterinary team will provide medical treatment, including calcium supplements, a special diet, and enrichment care while she recovers. Although things are looking up for the monkey, her capture ignites conversations about wildlife trade. "But the broader story is devastating," said the zoo's vice president of animal care, conservation, and research, Colleen Kinzley, per Patch. "These animals are often torn from the wild under horrific conditions — mothers shot, infants falling from trees — and smuggled into the pet trade." Spider monkeys are on the brink of extinction, mainly due to habitat loss and wildlife trafficking. Patch reported that zoo CEO Nik Dehejia said, "[T]he impact on their health, social development, and chances for survival is often irreversible." For now, the Oakland Zoo is working with Violeta until she recovers. Then, a transfer to a long-term sanctuary or zoo will be facilitated. This is not the first wild animal the zoo — and others like it — have helped rehabilitate after confiscation. Although many states ban owning wildlife, that hasn't stopped traffickers from taking animals like spider monkeys. While these animals are cute, there are numerous reasons why people shouldn't keep them as pets. Do you think people should be allowed to keep exotic animals as pets? Yes No It depends on the animal It depends on the person Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. For example, your family's or other pets' risk of disease goes up, and wildlife veterinary needs are expensive. They can also cause unsanitary conditions and safety issues. Meanwhile, if you get caught with one, you may face a hefty fine and lose the animal. "Wildlife trafficking is a growing conservation crisis, driving countless species, like spider monkeys and other nonhuman primates, toward extinction," Dehejia said, as ABC News reported. So, while watching videos of adorable spider monkeys online or visiting animals at a zoo might be fun, it's best to think twice about buying one. While you may not be able to perform rehab at a zoo, there are plenty of ways you can step up to stop animal trafficking. An easy action that Not A Pet suggests you take today is to avoid sharing videos of wild animal pets on social media. You can also take local action by contacting your legislators and telling them to support the Captive Primate Safety Act, a bill pointed to by Dehejia that would prohibit individuals from owning primates. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Letters to the Editor: Spider monkeys belong in the wild, not in the brutal pet primate trade
To the editor: The recent case of a young spider monkey rescued during a drug bust in Vallejo highlights the urgent need to ban the cruel and dangerous pet primate trade in this country ('Baby spider monkey rescued from suspected meth dealer's home. Now, a new life awaits,' May 17). Although we do not know the background of this particular monkey, there has been an alarming increase in reports of infant spider monkeys smuggled across our southern border in recent months, driven by Americans' insatiable demand for pet monkeys. Poachers slaughter mother spider monkeys in the wild and then steal their babies, shoving them into boxes, bags and car trunks for a brutal journey to the U.S.-Mexico border. Upon arrival, these criminals attempt to smuggle the animals into the United States to supply the legal and lucrative exotic pet trade. This type of wildlife trafficking often occurs within criminal networks that are also responsible for drug, weapons and human trafficking, threatening our national security. The recently introduced federal Captive Primate Safety Act, co-led by Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) with five other California co-sponsors, would prohibit private ownership of nonhuman primates to protect both these animals and the public. We must pass this legislation now to keep these monkeys in the wild — where they belong. Kate Dylewsky, Washington, writer is the assistant government affairs director for the Animal Welfare Institute. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Letters to the Editor: Spider monkeys belong in the wild, not in the brutal pet primate trade
To the editor: The recent case of a young spider monkey rescued during a drug bust in Vallejo highlights the urgent need to ban the cruel and dangerous pet primate trade in this country ('Baby spider monkey rescued from suspected meth dealer's home. Now, a new life awaits,' May 17). Although we do not know the background of this particular monkey, there has been an alarming increase in reports of infant spider monkeys smuggled across our southern border in recent months, driven by Americans' insatiable demand for pet monkeys. Poachers slaughter mother spider monkeys in the wild and then steal their babies, shoving them into boxes, bags and car trunks for a brutal journey to the U.S.-Mexico border. Upon arrival, these criminals attempt to smuggle the animals into the United States to supply the legal and lucrative exotic pet trade. This type of wildlife trafficking often occurs within criminal networks that are also responsible for drug, weapons and human trafficking, threatening our national security. The recently introduced federal Captive Primate Safety Act, co-led by Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) with five other California co-sponsors, would prohibit private ownership of nonhuman primates to protect both these animals and the public. We must pass this legislation now to keep these monkeys in the wild — where they belong. Kate Dylewsky, Washington, writer is the assistant government affairs director for the Animal Welfare Institute.
15-05-2025
Baby spider monkey and 2 rattlesnakes discovered during California meth bust
A baby spider monkey and two rattlesnakes were discovered at the home of a suspect who was busted for methamphetamine during a traffic stop in California, police said. The incident began on May 6 when Solano County Sheriff's Deputies conducted a traffic stop on 50-year-old Clifford Vincenty in Vallejo, California, and discovered half a pound of methamphetamine in his vehicle, police said. Vincenty, who is also a Vallejo resident, was taken into custody without incident and charged with possession of a controlled substance for sale. However, the following day, Solano County Vice Detectives and the Solano County Sheriff's Enforcement Team served a search warrant at Vincenty's residence in Vallejo which is when they discovered more evidence in the case against Vincenty. 'The Solano County Sheriff's Office has made a significant drug-related arrest following a traffic stop and subsequent search warrant that uncovered a large quantity of methamphetamine worth approximately $26,000 street value, and the discovery of additional contraband, cash, and exotic animals,' police said. 'The search yielded an additional pound of methamphetamine, more than $2,000 cash, a live spider monkey, and two live rattlesnakes.' Animal Control safely removed the animals, who were evaluated for proper care, and the spider monkey was later placed in the Oakland Zoo with the help of California Fish and Wildlife, officials said. The primate, who was named Violeta by Oakland Zoo staff, was reported to be in decent health and is thought to be around 18-months-old, zoo officials said. 'Veterinary Hospital staff are taking measures to ensure Violeta's overall wellbeing and have reported that she is doing well in her temporary home where keepers have set up enrichment, along with blankets and toys to keep her comfortable and stimulated,' officials said. 'They are providing her with a healthy diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, and she is drinking formula that will help to minimize the likelihood of pathologic bony fractures.' Wildlife trafficking is one of the largest illegal trades in the world, second only to drug and human trafficking, according to the Oakland Zoo, who says the trade is often fueled by the demand for these animals as pets or for profit-driven businesses, such as photo opportunities and interactive experiences. 'Wildlife trafficking is a growing conservation crisis, driving countless species, like spider monkeys and other nonhuman primates, toward extinction. These animals are often exploited through the exotic pet trade, kept in unsafe, inhumane conditions that threaten both their welfare and public safety. The Captive Primate Safety Act, recently introduced in Congress is a critical step toward ending this exploitation by banning the private ownership of primates and reinforcing our national commitment to responsible wildlife protection,' says Nik Dehejia, CEO at Oakland Zoo. Meanwhile, Vincenty now faces additional charges, including possession of a controlled substance for sale and potential violations related to the possession of exotic animals. 'This operation demonstrates our commitment to disrupting illegal drug activity in Solano County,' said Undersheriff Brad DeWall. The investigation into the case is currently ongoing.
