Poachers Target Spider Monkeys, Selling Babies on Social Media

Poachers in southern Mexico are ruthlessly capturing baby spider monkeys and selling them on social media, particularly targeting buyers in the United States. According to special agent Jim Stinebaugh of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, nearly 90 baby spider monkeys have been confiscated at the Texas-Mexico border over the past 18 months. This number is believed to represent only a small fraction of the total number of these primates being illegally trafficked into the United States.

The alarming rise in spider monkey smuggling is partially attributed to viral videos that depict these animals dressed up and treated as pets. While such clips may seem entertaining, wildlife officials warn they trivialize the severe cruelty involved in the illegal pet trade. The conditions under which these monkeys are smuggled are often horrific, with traffickers cramming them into tiny compartments without food or water. Many arrive sick, injured, or barely alive, prompting authorities to act swiftly to save those that survive the brutal journey.

Brutal Tactics Employed by Poachers

In Mexico, poachers often shoot mother spider monkeys out of trees while their babies cling to their backs. This method not only kills the mothers but also endangers the entire family unit, as the protective nature of spider monkeys means that other members may be killed in the process. Stinebaugh explains, “You’re going to have to kill the mothers to get the babies, and then the rest of the family are going to be protective of the mother and the baby as well. You very well may end up killing dozens of monkeys, just to keep a few of the babies.”

The challenge for law enforcement is significant, with personnel often outnumbered and the penalties for trafficking relatively minor. Stinebaugh emphasizes the risks associated with purchasing spider monkeys, warning, “If you’re paying cash for a spider monkey in the parking lot of a big-box store, there’s something wrong.”

Efforts to Combat the Trade and Care for Confiscated Monkeys

Once confiscated, baby spider monkeys cannot be returned to the wild without their mothers. Consequently, agents transport them to the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas, where a team of five veterinarians tends to the needs of approximately 1,600 other animals. Recognizing that one zoo alone cannot address the scale of the problem, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums has launched a project to provide temporary housing and long-term placements for spider monkeys at accredited facilities across the country.

Stinebaugh advocates for greater awareness about the harsh realities of the spider monkey black-market trade. He urges potential buyers to consider the impact of their purchases, stating, “If you care at all about this species, if you don’t want them killed in the wild, if you don’t want the babies smuggled across the border and these abhorrent conditions, don’t make the purchase.”

As efforts continue to combat this illegal trade, the fate of spider monkeys hangs in the balance, underscoring the urgent need for public awareness and responsible action.