Rare creatures were saved from illegal wildlife trafficking. They have a new home
.jpeg "Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium’s logo")
A critically endangered type of animal is settling into their new home in Nebraska after a long journey.
Four Ateles geoffroyi vellerosus, better known as the Mexican spider monkey, were saved from illegal wildlife trafficking, the Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium said in an Aug. 12 news release. The group consists of three females and one male.
“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,” the zoo said.
“Rescued from illegal trafficking, the monkeys required intensive, round-the-clock care, including time in incubators, at the Gladys Porter Zoo.”
The trip then took the monkeys to Dallas and finally to Nebraska with the help of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Wildlife Confiscations Network.
The species of spider monkey is native to southern Mexico along with northern Central America and is extremely social. Because of wildlife trafficking, the monkeys are endangered, the zoo says.
“All animals deserve safe, responsible care in environments that support their wellbeing,” Jeff Ewelt, chief zoological officer at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, said.
“The illegal trade of all species, especially incredibly complex and intelligent animals like primates, must be condemned,” Dr. Luis Padilla, the CEO of the zoo, said. “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.”
According to KMTV, the four monkeys, named Lily, Chicharra, Rosa and Tito, are the only four of their kind at the zoo.
This story was originally published September 8, 2025 at 5:54 PM with the headline "Rare creatures were saved from illegal wildlife trafficking. They have a new home."