What is happening to baby spider monkeys in Mexico?

Poachers in Mexico are shooting mother spider monkeys out of trees and stealing their babies, who cling to their backs, to sell as exotic pets in the United States.

How many baby spider monkeys have been confiscated at the U.S.-Mexico border?

In the last 18 months, nearly 90 baby spider monkeys have been confiscated at the Texas-Mexico border, though officials believe this is just a fraction of the total being smuggled.

How are the baby spider monkeys being transported?

Traffickers smuggle the spider monkey infants in horrific conditions, often crammed into tiny compartments with no food or water. Many arrive sick, injured, or clinging to life.

Home / Environment / Poachers Rip Baby Spider Monkeys from Mothers, Smuggle Them as Pets Across U.S. Border

Poachers Rip Baby Spider Monkeys from Mothers, Smuggle Them as Pets Across U.S. Border

28 Oct

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Summary

Nearly 90 baby spider monkeys confiscated at Texas-Mexico border in 18 months
Poachers shoot mother monkeys, steal babies clinging to their backs
Viral videos glamorize illegal pet ownership, hide cruel conditions

Poachers Rip Baby Spider Monkeys from Mothers, Smuggle Them as Pets Across U.S. Border

In the past 18 months, U.S. wildlife officials have confiscated nearly 90 baby spider monkeys at the Texas-Mexico border, a fraction of the total being smuggled into the country as exotic pets. Poachers in the forests of southern Mexico are shooting mother spider monkeys out of trees, stealing their infants who cling to their backs.

The spike in spider monkey trafficking is driven in part by viral videos showing the animals dressed up and treated like human babies. While these clips may look cute, experts warn they glamorize illegal pet ownership and fail to show the horrific conditions the monkeys endure. Traffickers smuggle the infants in tiny compartments with no food or water, and many arrive sick, injured, or clinging to life.