This incident involving a DUI suspect, a Rolls Royce, a substantial amount of marijuana, and a spider monkey highlights a bizarre intersection of illegal activities and the illegal exotic pet trade. Ali Mused Adel Mohamed, 27, was driving a 2022 Rolls Royce Ghost when he was stopped by California Highway Patrol for speeding on State Route 99. During the stop, officers discovered not only a significant quantity of marijuana suggesting intent to sell, but also a one-month-old spider monkey clad in a pink onesie. This unexpected discovery led to Mohamed’s arrest on multiple charges, including DUI, possession of cannabis for sale, and possession of an exotic animal. The incident underscores the dangers of driving under the influence and the broader issue of illegal wildlife trafficking and ownership.
The presence of the spider monkey immediately raised concerns due to California’s strict regulations against owning primates as pets. Spider monkeys are considered endangered and are prohibited as pets in the state. This legal framework is in place to protect these animals from exploitation and to ensure their conservation. Amy Toler, the Madera County Animal Services Director, emphasized the illegality of owning spider monkeys in California and the importance of these animals remaining in their natural habitats. The young monkey, temporarily housed at the Madera Animal Shelter, was fed a diet of mashed bananas while awaiting transfer to a more suitable facility. This case serves as a reminder of the detrimental effects of the illegal pet trade on endangered species.
The infant monkey, unnamed at the time of the report, was initially cared for at the Madera Animal Shelter where staff, lacking specialized primate provisions, resorted to feeding it mashed bananas. Video footage of the tiny primate skillfully manipulating two spoons to eat its makeshift meal quickly circulated on social media, capturing the hearts of viewers while simultaneously highlighting the unfortunate circumstances of its discovery. This temporary solution, while well-intentioned, further emphasized the need for the monkey to be placed in an environment equipped to meet its specific dietary and developmental requirements. The incident spurred conversations about responsible pet ownership and the ethical implications of keeping exotic animals.
Following its brief stay at the Madera Animal Shelter, the spider monkey was transferred to the custody of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The department subsequently transported the primate to the Oakland Zoo, a facility located approximately 150 miles northwest of Madera, better equipped to provide the specialized care required by the endangered species. At the Oakland Zoo, the monkey will receive appropriate nutrition, veterinary care, and the opportunity to interact with others of its kind, fostering its physical and social development. This transfer marks a significant step in the monkey’s journey toward a more suitable and natural environment.
Mohamed’s arrest involved a series of charges stemming from the traffic stop. In addition to the DUI and possession of cannabis for sale charges, he also faces charges related to the illegal possession of the spider monkey. Photographs taken at the scene depict the monkey sitting on Mohamed’s lap in the back of a police car and officers handcuffing Mohamed during the traffic stop. Inside the Rolls Royce, police discovered several bags filled with marijuana buds, multiple cell phones, and a plastic bag containing cash. These items further solidified the suspicion of drug trafficking and added to the complexity of the case.
This incident bears striking similarities to another case involving an illegally owned spider monkey. In November, Dallas police confiscated Jorgie Boy, an internet-famous monkey, after his owner, Brandi Botello, was involved in a car crash while intoxicated. Jorgie Boy, found in a severely malnourished and unhealthy state, suffered fractured bones and weighed only six pounds – less than half the average weight for a spider monkey. Botello, charged with driving under the influence, fought to regain custody of the primate despite its demonstrably poor condition. This case, like Mohamed’s, highlights the dangers faced by exotic animals kept as pets and the irresponsible behavior often exhibited by those who illegally own them. These incidents underscore the need for stricter enforcement of existing laws and increased public awareness regarding the ethical and ecological implications of the exotic pet trade.
