Video: Madera DUI Arrest Leads to Spider Monkey Rescue. She Is Now in Oakland Zoo Care.

Animals

Madera DUI Arrest Leads to Spider Monkey Rescue. She Is Now in Oakland Zoo Care.

By Anthony W. Haddad

Published 4 months ago on

January 3, 2025

Video courtesy of the Oakland Zoo.

A spider monkey was confiscated by CHP officers during a traffic stop in Madera on Monday.
The monkey was malnourished and suffering from an upper respiratory infection, requiring critical care at Oakland Zoo’s Veterinary Hospital.
Primates are illegal to own in California because of the dangers and health risks of private exotic animal ownership.

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A spider monkey was confiscated during an arrest made by CHP officers in the Madera area on Monday and is now recovering at the Oakland Zoo.

The original arrest was made when a CHP officer pulled over a speeding Rolls Royce Ghost on northbound Highway 99, north of Avenue 17, initially reported by CHP.

The driver was found to be under the influence and was arrested for DUI and possession of cannabis for sale.

On New Year’s Eve, the Oakland Zoo was contacted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to help the rescue of the female spider monkey.

Health Status of Spider Monkey

The spider monkey arrived at Oakland Zoo’s Veterinary Hospital malnourished, with an abnormal coat and skin, according to the Oakland Zoo. She was also suffering from an upper respiratory infection.

The veterinary staff said that she is a critical case but remain hopeful for her recovery.

The zoo estimates she is around five to six months old. She does not have a name yet, but Oakland Zoo staff are working to choose a name that reflects her species and/or her wild origins.

The Zoo’s Veterinary Hospital staff are keeping her in a humidified environment to help treat her upper respiratory infection. Tests are being conducted on her skin to determine if her condition is due to malnutrition or infection.

On Saturday, she will have a full anesthetic procedure and examination to assess her health, with a particular focus on her bone density to determine if malnutrition is a contributing factor.

Once she has fully recovered, the Zoo will work with CDFW and the Wildlife Confiscation Network to find her a home in an accredited zoo or sanctuary where she will live alongside other spider monkeys.

Pet Ownership of Exotic Animals in California

In California, it is illegal to own primates. An underground network of primate ownership persists in the U.S., with individuals finding ways to acquire and transport them into the state, according to zoo officials.

The zoo noted that even the best intentions of private owners cannot replace the essential needs of these animals, many suffer from chronic stress, malnutrition, and other health issues when kept as pets.

Primate infants are often taken from the wild, and most don’t survive to their first birthday due to inhumane care. Zoo officials highlighted the high mortality rate even before these animals enter the pet trade.

Mothers, along with other troop members, are frequently killed to take the infants from trees, and many of the infants die during transport.

Support the Oakland Zoo

The zoo says it is committed to providing exceptional animal care, promoting animal welfare, conserving wildlife, and inspiring advocates for the natural world.

Donor support powers the zoo’s mission locally and globally. You can contribute to Oakland Zoo’s efforts at: oaklandzoo.org/give.

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Anthony W. Haddad,

Multimedia Journalist

Anthony W. Haddad, who graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with his undergraduate degree and attended Fresno State for a MBA, is the Swiss Army knife of GV Wire. He writes stories, manages social media, and represents the organization on the ground.