Spider monkeys are becoming the latest exotic pet trend, captivating social media and drawing interest in Southeast Texas. According to Captain Ryan Hall of Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife, consumers are spending between $5,000 and $10,000 for baby spider monkeys.
“We’re seeing them more while we’re out and about,” Hall said. “Texas, unlike some other states, does not prohibit the possession of them. Many states do. Louisiana, our neighbor next door for instance, does not allow the possession of primates.”
A recent investigation by Inside Edition and CBS News uncovered two individuals selling spider monkeys in Texas, including one staged transaction in a Beaumont parking lot. Both sellers refused to disclose the origins of the monkeys and fled when confronted by reporters. Hall emphasized that while selling spider monkeys is legal in Texas, breeders must have a federal permit. “A lot of the breeders that are selling or places where folks are buying these animals are not licensed. So, that would be supporting a black market trade and could get themselves wrapped up in some type of federal investigation,” he said.
The demand for spider monkeys is fueling an illegal pet trade, with monkeys being poached from southern Mexico and smuggled into the U.S.
Jacob Smith, owner of The Lizard Lounge in Vidor, highlighted the unethical practices involved. “They take them from the wild, a lot of times it’s snatching them from mothers or even slaughtering the mothers to take those animals,” Smith said.
Smith, who is in the process of obtaining USDA licensing to breed and sell spider monkeys, stressed the importance of purchasing from licensed captive breeders. “That way you know exactly where it’s coming from such as lineage. In case something ever does happen we’re able to track it back and make sure you’re taken care of appropriately,” he said. He also noted that many ethical breeders require buyers to obtain a USDA exhibitor’s license to ensure proper care for the animals.
While spider monkeys are legal to own in Texas, local jurisdictions may have different regulations.