Exotic Monkey Rescued, Driver Arrested During Unusual CA Traffic Stop

MADERA COUNTY, CA — An exotic monkey is being cared for at the Oakland Zoo after officers rescued the young primate from a luxury vehicle that was pulled over for speeding in Madera County, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The CHP said an officer saw a Rolls Royce Ghost speeding Monday evening on State Route 99, northwest of Fresno. According to investigators, the officer quickly determined the driver was under the influence, carrying a large amount of marijuana and traveling with a 1-month-old spider monkey.

State law prohibits owning primates as pets, and the driver was arrested and booked into the Madera County Jail on suspicion of DUI, possession of cannabis for sale, and possession of an exotic animal.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the arresting officer volunteered to let the monkey spend the night at his house and dropped the adorable ateline off Tuesday at Madera County Animal Services, where staffers named him Marcel in a nod to the sitcom "Friends."

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife brought Marcel to the Oakland Zoo, which specializes in caring for exotic animals that are confiscated across the state. A DFW official told the Times that the illegal exotic animal trade is a growing problem in California, and the animals frequently fall into poor health due to inadequate care.