Latest news with #spidermonkey
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Authorities make shocking discovery during routine inspection at US border: 'He intended to sell it to a friend'
Authorities make shocking discovery during routine inspection at US border: 'He intended to sell it to a friend' A man is facing legal consequences after authorities discovered an endangered spider monkey hidden inside his vehicle during a routine inspection at the U.S.-Mexico border. The case highlights the growing concern over illegal wildlife trafficking and the damaging ripple effects it can have on public safety and the environment. What's happening? According to a criminal complaint, Juan Manuel Valdez was entering the U.S. when he was selected for a secondary vehicle inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Agents found a hidden backpack in his car — and discovered a spider monkey wrapped in a blanket inside. According to Valdez admitted to smuggling the animal. "Valdez stated that he purchased the monkey in Mexico and intended to give it to his children, but then later stated he intended to sell it to a friend in the U.S.," the complaint said. He didn't have any of the permits or licenses required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) or the Department of Agriculture to import or sell the monkey. Why is wildlife trafficking concerning? Spider monkeys aren't native to the U.S., although they have been introduced in places such as Florida. Beyond the obvious cruelty, illegal smuggling of animals undermines conservation efforts and can spread diseases. Once introduced to unfamiliar habitats, they may disrupt local biodiversity or die from inadequate care. Trafficking also endangers the survival of species already on the brink. Spider monkeys are considered critically endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and the exotic pet trade. When people buy, sell, or exploit wildlife, it speeds up population declines and creates long-term ecological damage. What's being done about wildlife trafficking? Valdez is in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until the case makes its way through the court system. On a broader scale, U.S. federal agencies are ramping up enforcement efforts and working to better monitor ports of entry. Stricter regulations and better technology have helped detect more cases, but public awareness is just as important. If you suspect someone is illegally importing or owning exotic animals, you can report it to the USFWS or your local wildlife authority. If you want to support animal protection, consider donating to organizations that fight wildlife trafficking such as the World Wildlife Fund. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. 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. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Endangered spider monkey and panda arrive at zoo
Two new animals have arrived at Paignton Zoo as part of a conservation breeding programme. A female red panda, an endangered species, and a female brown spider monkey, a critically endangered species, have been transported from zoos in France to the Devon site. Brown spider monkeys were added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List in 2020 because their populations in Columbia and Venezuela were declining due to the pet trade and habitat destruction. The IUCN said it believed there were fewer than 10,000 mature red pandas in the wild after their habitats in China had been destroyed. The panda will join a female called Ember while the spider monkey will join a troop consisting of females Luna and Lena and male Kikou. Zookeepers said the monkey would initially remain off-show to visitors while the primates were introduced. Mammal keeper at Paignton Zoo James Shora said: "The red pandas offer those quieter, more contemplative moments, while the spider monkeys bring incredible dynamic energy from the forest canopies of South America. "It's like having two completely different worlds side by side." The red panda came from Les Terres de Natae, Pont-Scorff and the brown spider monkey from Zoo Amiens Métropole. More news stories for Devon Listen to the latest news for Devon Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ Devon zoo announces arrival of red panda cubs Escapee panda wanders round Newquay New rules make it harder to keep primates as pets IUCN Red List Paignton Zoo
BBC News
22-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Brown spider money and red panda arrive at Paignton Zoo
Two new animals have arrived at Paignton Zoo as part of a conservation breeding programme.A female red panda, an endangered species, and a female brown spider monkey, a critically endangered species, have been transported from zoos in France to the Devon spider monkeys were added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List in 2020 because their populations in Columbia and Venezuela were declining due to the pet trade and habitat IUCN said it believed there were fewer than 10,000 mature red pandas in the wild after their habitats in China had been destroyed. The panda will join a female called Ember while the spider monkey will join a troop consisting of females Luna and Lena and male said the monkey would initially remain off-show to visitors while the primates were keeper at Paignton Zoo James Shora said: "The red pandas offer those quieter, more contemplative moments, while the spider monkeys bring incredible dynamic energy from the forest canopies of South America. "It's like having two completely different worlds side by side."The red panda came from Les Terres de Natae, Pont-Scorff and the brown spider monkey from Zoo Amiens Métropole.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Yahoo
Diaper-wearing spider monkey found wandering loose in Texas
June 19 (UPI) -- A baby spider monkey wearing a diaper was captured after running loose through a San Antonio neighborhood. San Antonio Animal Care Services said the spider monkey, estimated to be about 6 months old, was reported running through the Northwest Crossing neighborhood on Tuesday. Officers arrived to find the young primate sitting in the street and wearing a heavily soiled diaper. ACS was able to safely capture the monkey and is working with Primarily Primates to give the baby animal specialized care. The monkey's owner was identified and cited for having a prohibited animal in the city, allowing an animal to wander freely, failing to produce evidence of the animal having a rabies vaccine and failing to have the animal microchipped. Spider monkeys, native to southern Mexico, Central and South America, are considered exotic animals and are not allowed as pets in San Antonio.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Baby spider monkey rescued from suspected meth dealer's home. Now, a new life awaits
A baby spider monkey is starting a new chapter at the Oakland Zoo after she was rescued by authorities during a methamphetamine bust in Solano County earlier this month. On May 6, Solano County sheriff's deputies seized half a pound of methamphetamine during a traffic stop in the unincorporated area of Vallejo, authorities said. The driver, identified as 50-year-old Clifford Vicenty, was taken into custody and charged with possession of a controlled substance for sale, according to the Sheriff's Office. But that turned out to be only the tip of the iceberg. The next day, detectives served a search warrant at Vincenty's Vallejo home and found another pound of methamphetamine, more than $2,000 cash, two rattlesnakes and the baby spider monkey, authorities said. The total street value of confiscated meth is estimated to be $26,000, according to the Sheriff's Office. Read more: Spider monkey found in Rolls-Royce during traffic stop in critical shape. Now come tests, treatment — and a name Vicenty now faces additional charges related to illegal possession of exotic animals and controlled substances. The 18-month-old spider monkey was taken to the Oakland Zoo's Veterinary Hospital for treatment. It was there that she was given her name: Violeta. Not only is it illegal to own primates as pets in California, but it's also especially frowned upon to possess baby spider monkeys. The species is endangered, and infants require constant, skilled care to survive. Many of these primates who are poached to serve as pets do not live to see their first birthday, according to the Oakland Zoo. "Once they enter the pet trade, these animals typically do not receive a proper diet or adequate socialization with other monkeys, which can lead to lifelong physical and mental health issues," Colleen Kinzley, the zoo's vice president of animal care, said in a statement. In the wild, spider monkeys typically nurse for their first two years of life, and most will stay close to their mothers until they are 4 years old. Veterinary hospital staff have begun providing Violeta UV light treatments and calcium supplements to help her recover. They have also been feeding her a variety of fruits and vegetables, and ensuring she is drinking formula to strengthen her bones and lower the risk of fractures. Read more: Fragile baby spider monkeys 'ripped' from mothers, brought to SoCal. Trafficker sentenced Next, staff will perform a CT scan, a more thorough physical exam and bloodwork to assess organ function and check for infectious diseases. Staff report that she is doing well in her temporary home, where keepers have provided her with blankets and toys to keep her comfortable and stimulated. Once fully recovered, zoo staff will work with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Wildlife Confiscations Network to find Violeta a permanent home in an accredited zoo or sanctuary where she can grow up in a troop of spider monkeys. Spider monkeys are classified as an endangered species and are at risk of nearing extinction due to habitat loss, hunting and the exotic animal trade — and demand for the adorable primates has surged in recent years. "Infant spider monkeys in the pet trade are often the result of their mothers and family members being shot down from the trees to capture the baby," Kinzley said. "Many times, the baby is killed or injured due to the fall." Read more: Fragile baby spider monkeys 'ripped' from mothers, brought to SoCal. Trafficker sentenced Spider monkeys are one of the most commonly trafficked animals across the U.S.-Mexico border, according to the Oakland Zoo. In December, the Oakland Zoo took in another baby spider monkey confiscated by the California Highway Patrol during a traffic stop in Madera County. The primate, who has since been named Azules, was transported to the zoo in critical condition — suffering from malnourishment, skin and coat issues and an upper respiratory infection. Azules made a fully recovery and was moved to a permanent home in February. Last month, a Texas man was sentenced to four months in custody and 180 days of home confinement for trafficking six baby spider monkeys from Mexico to San Diego, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. While it is illegal to own primates as pets in California, there are no federal laws regulating primate ownership and some states permit the practice. The Oakland Zoo is part of a coalition of animal welfare organizations pushing to pass the Captive Primate Safety Act, which would enact a federal ban on the pet primate trade. 'Wildlife trafficking is a growing conservation crisis, driving countless species, like spider monkeys and other nonhuman primates, toward extinction," Nik Dehejia, chief executive at Oakland Zoo, said in a statement. "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." Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
