" struggle in their past": St. Louis Zoo provides refuge for spider monkeys recuperating from involvement in illegal wildlife trade
The Captive Primate Safety Act (CPSA) of 2025, a bill aimed at ending the private ownership of primates in the United States, is gaining momentum in Congress. Sponsored by Representative Mike Quigley and introduced to the 119th Congress on May 5, 2025, the bill seeks to improve safety for both humans and primates by prohibiting private individuals from owning primates as pets [1][3].
The bill, currently known as H.R.3199, is actively being considered in Congress and has garnered wide support among animal welfare advocates and legislators [1][3]. As of August 2025, it appears to have bipartisan interest and backing, increasing the likelihood it could become law after previous unsuccessful attempts in prior sessions [3].
Meanwhile, four young Mexican spider monkeys have found a new home at the Saint Louis Zoo. These monkeys, named Chico, Oxomátli, Xochitl, and Chula, were part of a large group confiscated from smugglers over a year ago at the southern United States border [2]. It's likely they were stolen from their parents to be sold as exotic pets.
These spider monkeys have had a traumatic journey, with the process involving the death of their parents and stuffing them into small spaces [2]. However, they are now living in a spider monkey group that resembles their natural environment, and they have an adult spider monkey friend who is showing them the ropes [2].
Saint Louis Zoo Primate Keeper Shannon Farrell stated that some animals don't survive smuggling [2]. Despite this, these four spider monkeys are thriving, and they will be able to grow up in a very natural spider monkey group [2].
In Missouri, opposition was met when a similar bill was introduced. Bob Baker with the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation mentions a similar bill was introduced in Missouri nearly 15 years ago [2]. The CPSA, if passed, will mark a significant step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of primates and humans alike.
References:
- H.R.3199 - Captive Primate Safety Act of 2025
- Four Mexican spider monkeys find new homes at Saint Louis Zoo
- Captive Primate Safety Act of 2025: What you need to know
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