A baby spider monkey, which was confiscated during a traffic stop on a Central California highway earlier this week, has found a new home at the Oakland Zoo.
The California Highway Patrol made an interesting discovery when they pulled over a Rolls Royce on northbound Highway 99 near Madera. During the traffic stop, officers found an unexpected passenger – an animal.
The driver was allegedly pulled over by officers who claim that he was speeding and under the influence. Upon searching the vehicle, they reportedly discovered marijuana for sale as well as an exotic animal.
When the authorities discovered the spider monkey, it was wearing a cute little onesie. They estimated that the monkey was only about a month old.
The authorities seized the monkey, as keeping it as a pet is against the law in California. The driver, whose identity remains undisclosed by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), was taken into custody for possessing an exotic animal, along with other charges.
The monkey has now been taken in by the Oakland Zoo, as announced by CHP on Thursday.
The origin of the monkey in the suspect’s possession remains uncertain.
Cecilio Padilla, a Sacramento-area native, has been a digital producer for CBS Sacramento for over a decade. He has extensive experience in covering Northern California.