Dickerson Park Zoo has welcomed two female spider monkeys that were being trafficked as part of the illegal pet trade, according to a news release.
The monkeys, Noel and Palenque, have joined the zoo's troop, including spider monkeys Prim and Goldie, and are currently on exhibit.
Both approximately 2 years old, Noel and Palenque spent about a year at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas, prior to arriving in Springfield, said Joey Powell, Dickerson Park Zoo's public relations and marketing director. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums assisted in placing the spider monkeys at Dickerson Park Zoo.
Spider monkeys are native to South America and all species are considered endangered or vulnerable, according to the International Union for Conservation
of Nature's Red List.
It is illegal to import non-human primates, such as monkeys and apes, into the United States as pets. According to the AZA, the capture and trade of exotic animals subjects many to suffering and death. Those who purchase exotic pets may be subject to legal risk and fines, as well as diseases that can be transmitted to humans or other animals. For more information, visit NotAPet.net.
The Texas-Mexico border is a key corridor for illegal exotic animal trade, according to reporting by the Houston Chronicle, with spider monkeys being among the most trafficked. Jim Stinebaugh, special agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, told CBS News that about 90 baby spider monkeys were confiscated at the Texas-Mexico border from April 2024 to October 2025, but that is likely only a fraction of the number trafficked.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Monkey victims of illegal pet trade find home at Springfield zoo
