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Spider Monkey Rescued from Drug Bust Highlights Trafficking Crisis

5/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In a shocking drug bust in Vallejo, California, an 18-month-old spider monkey named Violeta was rescued from a perilous situation involving meth and rattlesnakes. Now safe at the Oakland Zoo, her story sheds light on the alarming rise of wildlife trafficking, as these endangered creatures are often exploited and kept as illegal pets.

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Story summary

In a shocking drug bust in Vallejo, California, an 18-month-old spider monkey named Violeta was rescued from a perilous situation involving meth and rattlesnakes. Now safe at the Oakland Zoo, her story sheds light on the alarming rise of wildlife trafficking, as these endangered creatures are often exploited and kept as illegal pets.