Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is now home to four new juvenile Mexican spider monkeys following a multi-organization rescue effort after the animals were confiscated from illegal wildlife trafficking.
The journey of the four spider monkeys to Omaha spanned multiple states and zoos, beginning with their confiscation by wildlife authorities at the southern U.S. border in the spring of 2024. Rescued from illegal trafficking, the monkeys required intensive, round-the-clock care, including time in incubators, at the Gladys Porter Zoo. More than a year later, with the support of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Wildlife Confiscations Network, the monkeys traveled to Dallas, where the Dallas Zoo helped facilitate the final leg of their trip. This cross-country rescue was a true team effort, coordinated by the Spider Monkey Species Survival Plan® (SSP) and the Wildlife Confiscations Network, with one shared mission: to provide these monkeys with a safe, species-appropriate, and long-term home in Omaha.
After completing a thorough 30-day quarantine to ensure their health and wellbeing, the rescued juvenile monkeys, consisting of three females and one male, are now settling into their new habitat in the Lied Jungle. They have joined our resident female and can be seen by Zoo guests as they explore and adjust to their surroundings. Native to southern Mexico and northern Central America, Mexican spider monkeys thrive in dynamic environments and highly social communities. Their care at our Zoo focuses on replicating the richness of their natural habitat and complexity of their social dynamics, allowing their natural curiosity, inquisitiveness and strong individual relationships to flourish. Mexican spider monkeys are endangered, with populations declining due to deforestation and the illegal wildlife trade. Every conservation effort is vital to the survival of this species.
“All animals deserve safe, responsible care in environments that support their wellbeing,” said Jeff Ewelt, chief zoological officer at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. “Our AZA partners uphold the highest standards, ensuring every animal’s complex needs are met.”
As a proud member of the Wildlife Trafficking Alliance, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium partners with a coalition of corporate and non-profit organizations to combat wildlife trafficking. Together, we raise public awareness, reduce demand for illegal wildlife and products, and help companies adopt best practices to protect species worldwide. The Zoo also stands with AZA-accredited peers nationwide in supporting the Captive Primate Safety Act and the Wildlife Confiscations Network Act. These bipartisan bills are critical to prevent neglect, stop exploitation and safeguard vulnerable animals.
“It is significant when we can be a part of a rescue and solution for a trafficked animal,” said Dr. Luis Padilla, president and CEO at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. “The illegal trade of all species, especially incredibly complex and intelligent animals like primates, must be condemned. Trafficked animals are victims of indiscriminate crime, deprived of living conditions and social structures that are vital to their development and wellbeing.”
“The journey of a trafficked animal is akin to a horror story, often a part of larger criminal rings that involve other deplorable activities and illegal money,” Dr. Padilla continued. “Institutions like ours and our many AZA partners are critical in fighting against criminal wildlife trafficking and protecting animals from harm.”
Learn more about the Captive Primate Safety Act from our friends at Lincoln Park Zoo: https://www.lpzoo.org/help-us-save-primates/
Take AZA's pledge to be a wildlife advocate: https://www.notapet.net/
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