In August 2025, the St. Louis Zoo in Missouri has become the new home for four endangered Mexican spider monkeys seized from smugglers near the United States' southern border. The animals were recovered in 2024, during three separate operations that dismantled a network dedicated to selling this species as pets, often killing the mothers of the offspring. The decision not to return them to their natural habitat was influenced by the complex social structures of the monkeys and the risk that they would be hunted furtively again. Additionally, they require specialized care due to the lack of social bonds after upbringing.
The St. Louis Zoo has committed to curbing the trade of primates as pets in the U.S. UU., supporting the Captive Primate Safety Act. This bill seeks to regulate the possession of non-human primates for personal use, contributing to the protection of these vulnerable species. One of the monkeys still has a pellet lodged in its body, which highlights the harsh conditions they face during illegal trafficking. With these efforts, it is expected to provide these primates with a safe environment and to contribute to the conservation of their species.
Read the full news article on The Country.
