The spider monkey, named Violeta, is being cared for at the Oakland Zoo until she’s fully recovered and placed in an accredited zoo or sanctuary.
VALLEJO, Calif. — Solano County deputies recovered a live spider monkey last Tuesday in a drug bust after a traffic stop, according to the Solano County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office says deputies stopped 50-year-old Clifford Vincenty in Vallejo and seized a half pound of meth.
Deputies executed a search warrant at his home the next day and reportedly found an additional pound of meth, a live spider monkey and two rattlesnakes.
The spider monkey, named Violeta, was taken to the Oakland Zoo.
Vincenty is now facing additional charges after the search, including potential violations related to the possession of exotic animals.
The Oakland Zoo says Violeta is in decent health and is estimated to be around 18 months old.
Spider monkeys are endangered, with two species classified as critically endangered. They are reportedly one of the most trafficked animals across the border.
It is illegal in California to privately own primates.