Texas Man Caught Smuggling Endangered Spider Monkeys

In a shocking incident that highlights the dark side of wildlife trafficking, a Texas man, identified as John Doe, was apprehended for smuggling rare baby spider monkeys into the United States and attempting to sell them on social media platform, Facebook.

John Doe, a resident of Houston, Texas, was arrested on April 18, 2025, after authorities traced the illegal sale back to him. The investigation that led to his arrest began when wildlife officials noted suspicious online advertisements selling exotic animals.

Rare baby spider monkeys, native to Central and South America, are listed under the Endangered Species Act, making their sale and transportation across borders strictly prohibited under U.S. law. Despite this, Doe attempted to profit from these endangered primates.

The officials were tipped off about Doe’s activities after several posts surfaced on Facebook, offering the monkeys for sale at $12,000 each. Undercover agents contacted Doe as potential buyers and confirmed the existence of two baby spider monkeys, each kept in inappropriate and inhumane conditions.

Upon arrest, authorities found additional evidence linking Doe to the import of more endangered species. This arrest sheds light on the perilous journey and brutal reality faced by animals caught in the grip of wildlife trafficking.

The case against John Doe is being handled by the Department of Justice, with charges that include illegal wildlife trade and animal cruelty. If convicted, Doe faces significant penalties, including a substantial fine and imprisonment, underscoring the serious nature of wildlife trafficking laws in the United States.

This incident has sparked significant outrage among animal rights groups and raised awareness about the illicit pet trade on social media platforms. Experts argue that raising public awareness and stringent monitoring of online platforms are crucial in combating the trade of endangered species.

The arrest of John Doe highlights the urgent need for comprehensive enforcement of wildlife protection laws and reinforces the ongoing battle against illegal animal trafficking—a trade that poses a grave threat to biodiversity and the survival of endangered species worldwide.