Hattiesburg Zoo Rescues Four Spider Monkeys from Illegal Pet Trade

The monkeys were smuggled across the Mexico-U.S. border hidden in lunchboxes before being confiscated by authorities.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Hattiesburg Zoo has taken in four juvenile spider monkeys that were confiscated by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services after being discovered hidden in lunchboxes while being illegally smuggled across the Mexico-United States border. The monkeys were rescued under the Lacey Act, a federal law prohibiting the import, export, and sale of wildlife taken in violation of laws.

Why it matters

The illegal pet trade poses a serious threat to many primate species, often resulting in the death of adult monkeys during the capture and separation of their young. The Hattiesburg Zoo's efforts to provide a permanent home for these rescued spider monkeys highlights the importance of enforcement and education in combating wildlife trafficking.

The details

The four spider monkeys, two males and two females, were discovered by authorities at the border and confiscated. They were then transferred to the Hattiesburg Zoo, which was contacted by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Wildlife Trafficking Alliance and the Species Survival Program to permanently house and care for the primates. The zoo says the monkeys require specialized diets, habitats, and care that cannot be replicated in a residential setting.

  • The spider monkeys were discovered and confiscated at the Mexico-United States border in February 2026.

The players

Hattiesburg Zoo

A zoo located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi that has agreed to permanently house and care for the four rescued spider monkeys.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services

The federal agency that discovered and confiscated the spider monkeys that were being illegally smuggled across the border.

Association of Zoos and Aquariums Wildlife Trafficking Alliance

The organization that contacted the Hattiesburg Zoo to request they permanently house and care for the rescued spider monkeys.

Species Survival Program

The program that contacted the Hattiesburg Zoo to request they permanently house and care for the rescued spider monkeys.

Kristen Moore

The director of wildlife for the Hattiesburg Zoo.

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What they’re saying

“The pet trade is very dangerous and often results in the death of the mothers of the primates, which are purposefully or accidentally killed by traffickers attempting to separate and capture their babies.”

— Kristen Moore, Director of Wildlife (Darkhorse Press)

“While we are sad about how these monkeys came to call the Hattiesburg Zoo home, we are happy that our animal care and veterinary teams will be able to care for them.”

— Jeremy Cumpton, Director of Conservation and Education (Darkhorse Press)

What’s next

The four juvenile spider monkeys will be introduced to their outdoor habitat at the Hattiesburg Zoo, where they will join an adult male spider monkey named Rico who has lived at the zoo for several years.

The takeaway

This case highlights the devastating impact of the illegal wildlife trade, which often results in the separation of primate families and the death of adult animals. The Hattiesburg Zoo's efforts to provide a permanent, specialized home for these rescued spider monkeys demonstrate the importance of enforcement and education in combating this global issue.