Endangered 'Pet' Spider Monkey Finds Refuge After Bay Area Wildlife Trafficking Bust

OAKLAND, CA — A young spider monkey named Violeta is recovering at the Oakland Zoo after being rescued during a narcotics-related search in Vallejo, part of what zoo officials are calling a growing crisis fueled by the exotic pet trade.

Violeta, estimated to be about 18 months old, was surrendered by her owner during a search warrant conducted by the Solano County Sheriff’s Department last week. Oakland Zoo animal care staff transported her to their veterinary hospital, where she is receiving medical treatment and enrichment care to support her recovery. Zoo officials report she is in stable condition.

“She’s doing remarkably well considering her circumstances,” said Colleen Kinzley, the zoo’s Vice President of Animal Care, Conservation, and Research. “But the broader story is devastating. These animals are often torn from the wild under horrific conditions—mothers shot, infants falling from trees—and smuggled into the pet trade where they suffer mentally and physically.”

Spider monkeys are listed as endangered or critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. They are also among the most heavily trafficked animals in the world. In the United States, private primate ownership is legal in some states and occurs illicitly in others, including California, where it is banned.

Zoo officials say the discovery of Violeta is the latest in a troubling trend. Earlier this year, another spider monkey, Azules, was found in a luxury car during a DUI stop in Madera County. Both cases underscore how wildlife trafficking and exotic pet ownership are thriving in underground markets.

“Wildlife trafficking is the second-largest illegal trade globally, just behind drugs and human trafficking,” said Oakland Zoo CEO Nik Dehejia. “Animals like Violeta are victims of this exploitation, and the impact on their health, social development, and chances for survival is often irreversible.”

Once Violeta has fully recovered, the Oakland Zoo will coordinate with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife and the Wildlife Confiscation Network to place her in a long-term home at a sanctuary or accredited zoo. She will not be visible to the public during her stay at the Oakland Zoo’s veterinary hospital.

The Zoo has assisted in more than 100 wildlife rescue requests since 2021, and most of its animal residents are rescues. Its Taking Action for Wildlife initiative is part of a national network supporting animals seized from illegal trade and roadside attractions.

Dehejia also highlighted the Captive Primate Safety Act, a federal bill that would prohibit the private ownership of primates and establish consistent national regulations. “This legislation is critical,” he said. “It would help put an end to the suffering and trafficking that animals like Violeta endure.”

The Zoo encourages the public to avoid supporting exotic pet ownership, including by not sharing social media content that glamorizes wild animals as pets. The Oakland Zoo has more information online about how to support wildlife rescue efforts and responsible animal care.

For more on exotic pet risks and responsible practices, visit Not A Pet.