(KTLA) – A baby spider found by California Highway Patrol officers in a Rolls Royce on New Year’s Eve is fighting for its life along with a large amount of illegal marijuana and five cell phones, Oakland Zoo officials said.
The driver of the Rolls-Royce Ghost, later identified as 27-year-old Ali Moused Adel Mohamed, crashed on Highway 99 north of 17th Avenue in Madera County, KTLA sister station KSEE reported. Stopped by CHP for speeding. /KGPE.
The female spider monkey, which zoo officials estimate to be about 5 to 6 months old, was taken to a veterinary hospital malnourished, suffering from an upper respiratory infection and having problems with her coat and skin.
It is unclear how long the 27-year-old man had the baby primate in his possession.
The zoo also said the as-yet-unnamed primate was given the necessary fluids and adequate food, and was kept in a humidified environment to prevent respiratory infections.
Tests were also conducted to determine whether her skin condition was due to infection or malnutrition. On January 4, the young spider monkey was briefly anesthetized and thoroughly examined by veterinarians to assess its overall health, with a particular focus on bone density.
“Veterinarians believe she is in critical condition but are hopeful for a recovery,” zoo officials said in a statement on their website.
Private ownership of primates is illegal in California.
A baby spider monkey discovered by CHP personnel inside a Rolls Royce Ghost in Madera County on December 31, 2024, is recovering at the Oakland Zoo. (KSEE/CHP via KGPE) A baby spider monkey was discovered inside a Rolls-Royce Ghost on December 31, 2024. (KSEE/CHP via KGPE) A baby spider monkey was discovered inside a Rolls-Royce Ghost on December 31st. 2024. (KSEE/CHP via KGPE) A baby spider monkey was discovered inside a Rolls-Royce Ghost on December 31, 2024. (CHP via KSEE/KGPE)
Zoo officials say wildlife trafficking is one of the world’s largest illegal trades, just below drug and human trafficking. Many of the animals at Auckland Zoo are rescued animals or victims of the trade.
“Wildlife trafficking is a conservation crisis, driving countless animals to extinction. Innocent creatures suffer as they are torn from their natural habitats and family groups, and are forced to lose their lives for recreational and personal enjoyment. Or just being exploited for profit. This cruel act not only harms them, it destroys the ecosystem.” At Auckland Zoo, we believe in a future where respect, compassion and love pave the way for a thriving planet where humans and wildlife thrive together. “I envision it,” Nick said. Auckland Zoo CEO Dehejia said:
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Once she has fully recovered, zoo officials will work with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Wildlife Confiscation Network to move the young primate to an accredited zoo or sanctuary where she can grow up among other spider monkey populations. He said he plans to find a home in the district. .
It’s unclear how long the 27-year-old had the baby primate in his possession, but Capt. Nathan Smith of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife told the Los Angeles Times that the spider monkey was raised by its mother for the first two years. He said he is doing so. The problem is that squatters tend to underestimate their nutritional needs.
The suspect who dressed the monkey in a costume was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, possession of an exotic animal, and possession of marijuana for sale.
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