Investigators for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) say a Grand Island resident was illegally keeping a spider monkey inside a home before surrendering the animal to authorities earlier this month.
According to the DEC, investigators responded April 14th to a report involving a spider monkey allegedly being kept at a residence on Grand Island.
DEC officials said investigators arrived at the home, identified the individual living there and confirmed the primate was being housed at the property.
Authorities said the resident ultimately acknowledged she was no longer able to properly care for the monkey and voluntarily turned the animal over to investigators.
The monkey was then transported to a licensed primate sanctuary where it is now receiving treatment and care.
After the transfer, officials discovered the animal was suffering from multiple health issues including a broken right wrist and rickets, a disease often associated with severe nutritional deficiencies that can weaken bones and impair development.
The DEC did not release additional details about how long the monkey had allegedly been kept at the home or how the injuries may have occurred.
Spider monkeys are considered exotic primates and are illegal to possess as household pets under New York law. State environmental officials reiterated that the DEC does not issue permits allowing private individuals to keep primates as pets.
“Spider monkeys are illegal to possess as pets in New York State and DEC does not issue licenses for primates as pets,” said the DEC in a release.
The DEC has not announced whether criminal charges or civil penalties will be filed in connection with the case.
The spider monkey remains at the sanctuary where officials say it is continuing to receive medical treatment.
