Catazajá, Chiapas — Nearly two dozen live spider monkeys found stuffed into shipping containers have been rescued by environmental authorities. The plastic containers drilled with holes were found during a weekend inspection in Catazajá, Chiapas.
The live monkeys were found by personnel at the Dos Boscas customs in Catazajá Saturday. Profepa (Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection) was alerted to the finding.
Personnel from Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente (Profepa) verified the two-crate shipment which was bound for Tabasco. Inside the crates, Profepa located 10 juvenile and 10 baby spider monkeys.
In a statement, the agency reported that “Profepa in Chiapas, in coordination with the Guardia Nactional and Sedena, secured 20 spider monkeys that were transported in precarious conditions.
“Ten juvenile specimens and 10 infants were identified. Unfortunately, the specimens showed signs of dehydration and stress so they were immediately transferred to receive medical attention.
“The species “Ateles geoffroyi” is classified as Endangered (P) according to NOM-059 and its commercialization is prohibited by the General Wildlife Law.”
