San Antonio Animal Care Services said the infant monkey was discovered in a heavily soiled diaper, sitting in the street in a northwest-side neighborhood.
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Animal Care Services said a young spider monkey was discovered wandering a northwest-side neighborhood Tuesday afternoon.
ACS said the approximately six-month-old monkey was discovered in a heavily soiled diaper, sitting in the street by a home off Lansbury Drive and Weybridge in the Northwest Crossing neighborhood. Witnesses told ACS officials the infant monkey was running through the area.
Spider monkeys, ACS said, are native to the tropical forests of southern Mexico, Central and South America and they often end up in the illegal pet trade due to their ability to be easily bred in captivity.
The owner of the animal received four criminal citations including the following:
- Having a prohibited animal within the city limits.
- Allowing the animal to roam the neighborhood.
- Failing to show proof of the animal being vaccinated against rabies.
- Failing to have the animal microchipped.
The monkey was safely captured and ACS said it is working with experts from Primarily Primates to ensure the infant animal receives the necessary specialized care, feeding and handling he needs.
ACS reminds residents that monkeys are not pets and housing or processing primates is illegal in San Antonio.