Henry Doorly Zoo is now home to four juvenile Mexican spider monkeys. A multi-organization rescue effort helped save the animals after they were confiscated from illegal wildlife trafficking, officials said.The zoo said the spider monkeys' journey spanned multiple states and zoos, after they were confiscated by wildlife authorities at the southern U.S. border in spring 2024.Conservation in Action: How the Henry Doorly Zoo's nutritional science team helps animalsFollowing a 30-day quarantine to ensure their health and well-being, the monkeys are now at their new habitat in the Lied Jungle, officials said. There are three females and one male.The zoo said Mexican spider monkeys are endangered due to deforestation and illegal wildlife trade."All animals deserve safe, responsible care in environments that support their well-being," Jeff Ewelt, chief zoological officer at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, said in a statement. "Our AZA partners uphold the highest standards, ensuring every animal's complex needs are met."NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |
Henry Doorly Zoo is now home to four juvenile Mexican spider monkeys. A multi-organization rescue effort helped save the animals after they were confiscated from illegal wildlife trafficking, officials said.
The zoo said the spider monkeys' journey spanned multiple states and zoos, after they were confiscated by wildlife authorities at the southern U.S. border in spring 2024.
Conservation in Action: How the Henry Doorly Zoo's nutritional science team helps animals
Following a 30-day quarantine to ensure their health and well-being, the monkeys are now at their new habitat in the Lied Jungle, officials said. There are three females and one male.
The zoo said Mexican spider monkeys are endangered due to deforestation and illegal wildlife trade.
"All animals deserve safe, responsible care in environments that support their well-being," Jeff Ewelt, chief zoological officer at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, said in a statement. "Our AZA partners uphold the highest standards, ensuring every animal's complex needs are met."