MADERA COUNTY, Calif. — An unusual traffic stop by California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers leads to the arrest of Ali Mused Adel Mohamed, 27, for driving under the influence. During the stop, officers discovered not only marijuana but also a one-month-old baby spider monkey hidden inside his jacket.
The bizarre incident took place on Monday night, December 30, 2024, when the CHP officers pulled over the 2022 Rolls Royce Ghost for speeding on Highway 99, near Avenue 17. Officers quickly determined the driver was under the influence, prompting the arrest.
"The driver had a baby monkey attached—or clenched—on his person. That’s something you don’t see every day," said CHP spokesperson Sergio Moreno, highlighting the surreal nature of the findings during the traffic stop.
Alongside the exotic pet, officers found several bags filled with marijuana, calculated to be for sale. The results were surprising to say the least. Not only did they apprehend Mohamed for DUI, but they also faced the unusual spectacle of confiscated exotic wildlife.
According to Madera County Animal Services Director Amy Toler, keeping spider monkeys as pets is illegal under California law. "Spider monkeys are illegal. You cannot possess them," she stated bluntly. The infant monkey is particularly vulnerable, as it is considered endangered.
After being taken from Mohamed, the baby monkey was brought to the Madera Animal Shelter, where it was fed mashed bananas through two separate spoons, captured adorably on video shared on social media. Toler noted, "This is not where they should be. They need to be in the wild with nature, with their own species." She expressed the importance of returning primates back to their natural habitats.
The following day, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife took custody of the baby spider monkey and arranged for it to be transferred to the Oakland Zoo for proper care. Toler remarked on the significance of the monkey’s future, commenting on the relevance of adhering to wildlife laws.
Upon his arrest, Mohamed faced multiple charges, including DUI, possession of marijuana for sale, and possession of an exotic animal. His experience is being labeled as “some next-level monkey business” on CHP’s social media, reflecting the peculiar nature of the incident.
While exotic pets can pique interest, the reality of laws against their ownership reflects broader concerns over animal welfare and ecological responsibility. The spider monkey found during this incident reinforces the challenges California authorities face when ensuring wildlife protection.
This episode raises broader questions concerning illegal pet ownership. The public reaction has been divided; some express concern for the welfare of exotic creatures like spider monkeys, which are not suited for domestic life, whereas others are amused by the sheer oddity of the incident.
Historically, wildlife management and law enforcement have had their hands tied by the challenge of addressing illegal pet ownership across the state. Notably, this case highlights the priorities of agencies like Fish and Wildlife, emphasizing the need to abide by regulations to protect endangered species.
The Oakland Zoo, gearing up to accommodate the spider monkey, routinely collaborates with local law enforcement to help with arrangements for confiscated animals. This trend of cooperation ensures wildlife gets prioritized care, safeguarding creatures suffering due to illegal trade. The zoo does not engage directly with adoptions for primates but aims for future placements ensuring their well-being.
The consequences of such incidents can vary, yet the impetus remains clear: enforcement of pet ownership laws is integral to wildlife conservation. This incident not only brings awareness to the issue of illegal exotic pet ownership but reminds viewers of the responsibilities of both drivers and pet owners alike.
With the situation still developing, advocates for animal rights and wildlife preservation are closely monitoring the case following this bizarre traffic encounter. It is hoped the public will increasingly recognize the significance of wildlife conservation efforts and the perils faced by exotic animals caught up in human choices.