Endangered Spider Monkeys Rescued from Wildlife Traffickers Find a Forever Home at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Guests can see and learn about spider monkeys in new Tropical Forests outdoor habitats opening at the Zoo this summer​
 

Brookfield, IL— Five young Mexican spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi vellerosus), victims of the illegal wildlife trade, have found a forever home at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Confiscated by authorities in 2023 after being smuggled into the U.S., these endangered primates were separated from their mothers—who were likely killed during their capture—and arrived at rescue facilities malnourished and traumatized. 

After 18-months of rehabilitation by dedicated care teams at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Houston Zoo, the monkeys have made a remarkable recovery and are thriving in their new home behind the scenes at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Soon, guests will be able to meet the extraordinary primates when Tropical Forests, the nation’s largest outdoor primate exhibit at any accredited zoo unveils this summer. 

“The arrival of these spider monkeys highlights the integral role zoos play in addressing the illegal wildlife trade, providing expert care to rescued animals, and inspiring conservation action,” said Dr. Mike Adkesson, president and CEO of Brookfield Zoo Chicago. “Thanks to the dedication of our partners, these monkeys now have a second chance while playing a critical role as ambassadors for their species—reminding us of the challenges they face in the wild.” 

Spider monkeys are often targeted by traffickers due to their small size, striking appearance, and perceived value as exotic pets. Most buyers are unaware that these animals are poached from the wild, contributing unknowingly to a practice that decimates wild populations. Once trafficked, animals like these spider monkeys require specialized lifelong care—usually around 50-years—at facilities like Brookfield Zoo Chicago. 

“Caring for rescued animals comes with many unique challenges, especially for primate species. Among them is helping the animals, which could not be released back into the wild due to their age, feel comfortable in their new home,” said Kimberly Skelton, director of primate care and conservation at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. “Our team of animal care specialists are going above and beyond to ensure the spider monkeys receive the best possible care and look forward to introducing them to the public this summer when Tropical Forests opens.” 

The opening of the $66 million Tropical Forests marks a new chapter in Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s commitment to primate conservation and ultimately enabled the Zoo to welcome the five rescue animals. Tropical Forests embodies the Zoo’s mantra: Connect. Care. Conserve. With a long history of primate care, welfare, and behavioral research, Brookfield Zoo Chicago is deeply committed to protecting endangered and critically endangered species. The new habitats are designed to foster human-animal connections, inspiring guests to care about these animals and join efforts to conserve them and their ecosystems. 

The Wildlife Trafficking Alliance, an initiative of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), estimates that over 50,000 live animals were seized or abandoned at U.S. ports of entry between 2015 and 2019. Tragically, spider monkey confiscations are on the rise. Since October 2023, the Wildlife Confiscations Network—a collaborative program supporting the placement of confiscated wildlife—has helped care for more than 3,800 animals, including turtles, corals, tarantulas, and primates like these five spider monkeys. 

“When wildlife enforcement officers seize critically endangered spider monkey infants, time is of the essence,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of AZA. “Due to their fragile health state, immediate access to expert animal care professionals is essential. The Wildlife Confiscations Network (WCN) is the crucial ingredient to ensure these infants have the best chance at survival. By providing this coordinated response, wildlife law enforcement can focus on their mission of catching and prosecuting criminals and shutting down their illegal supply chains. Simultaneously, WCN facilities are working together to ensure the best outcome for the individual animals.” 

The public can support the Zoo’s efforts to care for the rescue monkeys by donating to the Zoo’s “Grow the Forest” fundraising effort at brookfieldzoo.org/GrowTheForest. 

To learn more about Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s conservation efforts, Tropical Forests and other news, visit brookfieldzoo.org.

About Brookfield Zoo Chicago: Connect. Care. Conserve. 

Since 1934, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has been a global leader in animal well-being and conservation, inspiring conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. The Zoo is a private nonprofit organization that operates on 235 acres of land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County and is home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 species—including many of Earth’s most endangered. Brookfield Zoo Chicago was the first zoo in the world to be Humane Certified™ by the American Humane Society for the care and welfare of its animals, and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, and ArbNet. For more information, visit www.brookfieldzoo.org or follow @BrookfieldZoo on Instagram, Facebook and Threads.