Baby spider monkey found inside Rolls-Royce in critical condition

(KTLA) – A baby spider monkey found on New Year’s Eve by officers with the California Highway Patrol inside a Rolls-Royce, along with a large amount of illegal cannabis and five cellphones, is fighting for her life, officials at the Oakland Zoo announced. 

The driver of the Rolls-Royce Ghost, later identified as 27-year-old Ali Mused Adel Mohamed, was pulled over by CHP on Highway 99, north of Avenue 17 in Madera County for excessive speed, according to reporting from KTLA’s sister station KSEE/KGPE.  

The female spider monkey, which zoo officials estimate to be about five or six months old, was brought to their veterinary facility malnourished, suffering from an upper respiratory infection and having issues with her coat and skin.  

It is unclear how long the 27-year-old had been in possession of the baby primate.

The zoo went on to say that the yet-to-be-named primate has been provided with the necessary fluids, the proper diet and is being kept in a humidified environment to help with the respiratory infection.  

Tests have also been run to determine whether her skin condition is the result of an infection or malnutrition. On Jan. 4, the young spider monkey was briefly placed on anesthesia while veterinarians thoroughly examined her and assessed her overall health with a particular focus on her bone density.  

“The veterinary staff considers her a critical case but are hopeful for her recovery,” zoo officials said in a statement on their website. 

In California, it is illegal to privately own primates. 

Wildlife trafficking, according to zoo officials, is one of the largest illegal trades globally, coming in just under drug and human trafficking. Many of the Oakland Zoo’s animal residents are rescues and victims of the trade. 

“Wildlife trafficking is a conservation crisis, driving countless animals toward extinction. Innocent creatures suffer, torn from their natural habitats and family groups, only to be exploited for entertainment, personal enjoyment, or profit. This cruel practice not only harms them but devastates ecosystems and humanity alike. At Oakland Zoo, we envision a future where respect, care, and love pave the way for a flourishing planet where people and wildlife thrive together,” Nik Dehejia, CEO of Oakland Zoo, said.  

Once she fully recovers, zoo officials said they will work with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, as well as the Wildlife Confiscation Network to find the young primate a home at an accredited zoo or sanctuary where she can mature in troop of other spider monkeys.  

It is unclear how long the 27-year-old had been in possession of the baby primate, but Capt. Nathan Smith with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife told the Los Angeles Times that spider monkeys are nursed by their mother for the first two years of their lives and that illegal owners tend to underestimate their nutrition needs. 

The suspect, who had the monkey dressed in a onesie, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, possession of an exotic animal and possession of cannabis for sale.