There's trouble brewing over the care of Jorgie Boy, the spider monkey at the center of controversy involving his owner, North Texas influencer Brandi Botello. The little primate was taken from her after she was arrested for driving under the influence, and since then, animal welfare advocates have raised serious concerns about his condition.
The saga unfolded when locals spotted Botello intoxicated with Jorgie Boy on her lap during the vehicle collision, leading authorities to seize the monkey. Officials from Irving Animal Services stepped in and diagnosed Jorgie Boy with severe health issues, including malnutrition and metabolic bone disease. Funky Monkey Ranch, the animal sanctuary now housing him, confirmed the dire state of the little monkey, stating he was underweight, at just six pounds, which is less than half the average weight for his species.
The root of this situation goes beyond Botello’s alcohol-induced accident. It opens up broader debates about the ethics of keeping primates as pets. “Primates are not pets. People think monkeys are fun and cute, and they treat them like accessories,” said Dwan Johns, owner of Funky Monkey Ranch. Her sanctuary is now responsible for nursing the malnourished Jorgie Boy back to health.
This isn’t just about Botello wanting her pet back; it's about the apparent neglect and abuse prevalent among exotic pet owners. This case highlights the legal loopholes and social attitudes toward wildlife ownership, leading to consequences for the animals involved. Texas laws permit the ownership of some exotic animals like monkeys—but only when owners secure proper permits. Unfortunately, Irving doesn’t allow residents to keep primates at all.
Irving Animal Services is conducting a thorough investigation. A spokesperson, Delaney Brey, stated, “At the end of the day, it was illegal for her to have the monkey, period.” This suggests Botello, who boasts more than 43,000 followers on Instagram, was breaking city ordinances by keeping Jorgie Boy. Right now, according to laws still pending investigation, charges against her remain unclear—there’s significant legal distinction between animal neglect and cruelty.
Botello has publicly expressed her heartache over losing Jorgie Boy, declaring on her Instagram, “I love him. I dress him up every day. He’s more than just a monkey to me; he’s like my child.” Her social media accounts are flooded with photos with Jorgie Boy dressed up and enjoying life alongside her, presenting them as equally fashionable and popular.
But reality looks quite different. After receiving Jorgie Boy, Funky Monkey Ranch has been treating him with baby formula, supplements, and sun therapy to remedy the serious health ramifications of neglect. Johns noted the pitiful state the monkey's body is in, with his head and feet not proportionate to his body, and serious stunted growth. “He’s the size of a 1-year-old monkey even though he will turn 3 soon,” Johns pointed out.
The sanctuary now faces the challenge of rehabilitating Jorgie Boy, who may need over a year of care before he can thrive and be integrated with other monkeys. It’s hoped he will regain strength and health during the sun therapy and future physical therapy sessions planned for him.
While Botello seeks to fight for her pet's return, awareness is also growing around the responsibilities and risks of owning exotic animals. Many potential pet owners overlook how complex and nuanced caring for these animals can be—not to mention the legal frameworks governing their ownership. These creatures are not just cute and cuddly; they require specialized diets, social interactions, and environments conducive to their health and well-being.
At this point, the story continues to develop as the investigation by animal services remains active and Botello’s supporters rally on social media. With hashtags like #FreeJorgieBoy circulating among her followers, the saga has sparked conversations about pet ownership as well as about animal welfare priorities.
For now, Jorgie Boy is safe at Funky Monkey Ranch, receiving the care he desperately needs, illustrating just how dire the situation can be when wild animals are treated merely as accessories rather than beings with their own welfare needs.
While Brandi Botello’s battle to reclaim her pet heats up, the case stands as a cautionary tale about the serious nature of exotic animal care and the potential repercussions for those who don’t comply with municipal laws or prioritize their animals' well-being.
