3 Mexican spider monkeys rescued from pet trade, find home in Central Florida

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By Sarah Wilson

SANFORD, Fla. — A series of unfortunate events led three orphaned Mexican spider monkeys to their new home at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.

The three baby monkeys, named Sunny, Violet and Klaus after the characters in the book series “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” were confiscated at the U.S/Mexico border, where zoo officials say they were being smuggled into the country as part of the illegal pet trade.

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Zoo officials said in order for wildlife traffickers to obtain infant spider monkeys to sell into the pet trade, they have to kill the entire troop. That’s what they think happened with these monkeys, who are all between 5 and 6 months old.

“We are thrilled that despite their horrible start in life, we are able to provide these monkeys with a safe life with excellent care,” said CEO Richard Glover Jr. “They will also make a difference for their species and many others by helping educate the public about the importance of ending wildlife trafficking and the illegal pet trade.”

Photos: Central Florida Zoo takes in 3 orphaned Mexican spider monkeys

Mexican spider monkeys The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is now home to three orphaned Mexican spider monkeys, who zoo officials say will make a difference for their species and help the Zoo educate visitors on the dangers of the illegal pet trade. (Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens)

Mexican spider monkeys The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is now home to three orphaned Mexican spider monkeys, who zoo officials say will make a difference for their species and help the Zoo educate visitors on the dangers of the illegal pet trade. (Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens)

Mexican spider monkeys The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is now home to three orphaned Mexican spider monkeys, who zoo officials say will make a difference for their species and help the Zoo educate visitors on the dangers of the illegal pet trade. (Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens)

Mexican spider monkeys The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is now home to three orphaned Mexican spider monkeys, who zoo officials say will make a difference for their species and help the Zoo educate visitors on the dangers of the illegal pet trade. (Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens)

Mexican spider monkeys The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is now home to three orphaned Mexican spider monkeys, who zoo officials say will make a difference for their species and help the Zoo educate visitors on the dangers of the illegal pet trade. (Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens)

Mexican spider monkeys The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is now home to three orphaned Mexican spider monkeys, who zoo officials say will make a difference for their species and help the Zoo educate visitors on the dangers of the illegal pet trade. (Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens)

Zoo officials said the monkeys came to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens through a partnership with the U.S. government and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.

The zoo said the monkeys will be “founders” in the AZA’s Species Survival Plan, bringing new genetic lines to the AZA population of spider monkeys.

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“These three spider monkeys have been acclimating well and hitting the milestones we expect,” said Chris Torge, the zoo’s director of animal operations. “As they continue to grow and reach maturity, they will help so many people understand not only their species, but also the issue of wildlife trafficking and what they can do to stop it. We encourage everyone not to support the illegal pet trade.”

Zoo officials said the babies have been successfully introduced to the zoo’s 41-year-old black-handed spider monkey, Big Guy, who has been a dad 15 times and who has strong paternal instincts.

The monkeys are now on display at the zoo for visitors to see.

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