“On New Year's Eve, the Oakland Zoo received a rescued spider monkey, but where was she rescued from?” — Logan Bergmark 7th grade

On New Year’s Eve, the Oakland Zoo received Azules, a baby female Mexican Spider Monkey, who was found in a car after the driver got a DUI (driving under the influence) in Madera County. According to Spider monkey rescued during DUI arrest recovering at Oakland Zoo “The spider monkey, estimated to be around 5 to 6 months old, arrived at the zoo's Veterinary Hospital malnourished, with an abnormal coat and skin, and suffering from an upper respiratory infection.”

Azules was a victim of animal trafficking, a terribly exploitative business where animals are torn from their families and sold as pets.
“Zoo officials said poachers in Mexico kill mother monkeys so they can steal their babies and sell them as illegal exotic pets in California. The babies are often sold through social media marketplaces,” writes Amy Larson in her article Oakland Zoo gives update on rescued baby monkey for KRON4.
“Zoo officials said poachers in Mexico kill mother monkeys so they can steal their babies and sell them as illegal exotic pets in California. The babies are often sold through social media marketplaces,” writes Amy Larson in her article Oakland Zoo gives update on rescued baby monkey for KRON4.
“Wildlife trafficking is among the largest illegal trades globally, ranking just behind drug and human trafficking,” says Oakland Zoo's Marketing Manager, Isabella Linares in an Update on Oakland Zoo’s Recent Spider Monkey Rescue. That update also states that the “Oakland Zoo has a longstanding commitment to rescuing animals from the wildlife pet trade.”
On February 22, 2024, the Oakland Zoo rescued a tiger cub, and on the 6th they had rescued a marmoset. The Oakland Zoo also has an exhibit staging confiscated/turned in items from the wildlife trafficking market.
On February 22, 2024, the Oakland Zoo rescued a tiger cub, and on the 6th they had rescued a marmoset. The Oakland Zoo also has an exhibit staging confiscated/turned in items from the wildlife trafficking market.
Azules is one of the lucky few who survive and are saved from the animal trafficking business, but many others aren’t so lucky. However, you can donate to Oakland Zoo here to support their work to help save the many other victims of animal trafficking. You can also visit notapet.net to learn more.