Images from the arrest show the monkey wearing the onsie, while other snaps show the bonnet of the car with five cell phones, along with bags and containers of what appears to be cannabis
It is illegal to have spider monkeys in California (Image: Facebook/CHP Madera)
A man has been arrested after police stopped a speeding car, inside which they found a spider monkey wearing a pink onesie. The arrest, made on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of cannabis for sale, was carried out on December 30 by an officer from California Highway Patrols Madera office after spotting the Rolls Royce Ghost breaking the speed limit.
Images from the arrest show the monkey wearing the onsie, while other snaps show the bonnet of the car with five cell phones, along with bags and containers of what appears to be cannabis.
In a statement on Facebook, the police force said: “@californiadfw took possession of the spider monkey and took it to the Oakland Zoo for appropriate care. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife discourages illegal pet trade.
The Rolls Royce was seen speeding (Image: Facebook/CHP Madera)
“Last night (December 30, 2024), a CHP Madera officer stopped a Rolls Royce Ghost on northbound SR-99, north of Avenue 17, for excessive speed. The driver was found to be under the influence and placed under arrest for DUI, and possession of cannabis for sale. The driver was also in possession of a Spider Monkey, believed to be 1 month old. Primates are illegal to own as pets in California.
“The monkey was safely taken by Animal Control where he will receive the proper care. Some next level monkey business! The driver was booked at the Madera County Jail and is facing several charges, including possession of an exotic animal.”
One man was arrested at the scene (Image: Facebook/CHP Madera)
Modera CHP spokesperson Sergio Moreno told KSEE: “The driver had a baby monkey attached – or clenched – on his person. That’s something you don’t see every day.”
The driver has since been identified as 27-year-old Ali Mused Adel Mohamed from Southern California.
Multiple items were found inside the car (Image: Facebook/CHP Madera)
The monkey has since been taken to Madera County’s Animal Services. Director of Madera County Animal Services Amy Toler told the same outlet: “Spider monkeys are illegal. You cannot possess them. It is on the endangered species list. Definitely can’t have them here in California.”
She added: “Since we don’t have what the monkey needed for feeding, we went with the next best thing, which is your common bananas. This is not where they should be. You know, we should not be caring for these animals. They need to be in the wild with nature, with their own species”.
The monkey will be taken to Oakland Zoo for further care(Image: Facebook/CHP Madera)
The monkey will be taken to Oakland Zoo for further care.