A Pink Onesie, a Rolls-Royce, and a Spider Monkey

seanrinique January 8, 2025No Comments

How a Malnourished Spider Monkey Became the Unlikely Passenger in a DUI Arrest

A Spider Monkey, dressed in a pink onesie, brought an unexpected twist to the story when California Highway Patrol officers pulled over a speeding 2022 Rolls-Royce Ghost on Highway 99 in Madera County.

In a tale seemingly plucked from a Hollywood script, the officers couldn’t believe their eyes—a Spider Monkey, cruising in style, was riding shotgun in pure luxury. Yet, the tiny passenger appeared visibly distressed.

The driver, 27-year-old Ali Mused Adel Mohamed, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of cannabis for sale.

However, the real surprise came when officers discovered that the baby spider monkey was clinging to Mohamed during the stop.

Spider monkeys are illegal to own as pets in California due to their endangered status.

The infant monkey, estimated to be around five to six months old, was severely malnourished and suffering from an upper respiratory infection.

She was initially taken to the Madera County Animal Shelter and later transferred to the Oakland Zoo’s Veterinary Hospital for specialized care.

Colleen Kinzley, Vice President of Animal Care, Conservation, and Research at the Oakland Zoo, expressed deep concern for the young primate’s well-being, noting that it would take months for her to return to a normal body condition.

The zoo staff is providing round-the-clock care, including a humidified environment to treat her respiratory infection.

They are also taking precautions to prevent exposure to additional illnesses.

This incident highlights the perils of the illegal wildlife trade, which often subjects animals to inhumane conditions and deprives them of their natural habitats and familial bonds.

Kinzley emphasized that such experiences could traumatize animals for life, preventing them from ever leading normal lives as members of their species.

While the image of a spider monkey in a pink onesie riding shotgun in a Rolls-Royce might elicit a chuckle

it’s crucial to recognize the serious implications of animal abuse and illegal wildlife possession.

These actions not only endanger the animals involved but also contribute to the decline of endangered species worldwide.

As the young spider monkey embarks on her long road to recovery. The Oakland Zoo plans to work with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Wildlife Confiscation Network to find her a suitable home in a zoo or sanctuary.

This way, she can grow up in the company of other spider monkeys.

In the meantime, the public is reminded that animal abuse is never acceptable.

Illegal pet trade has far-reaching consequences for both animals and ecosystems.

Watch the overview of the story, you can watch the following news segment: