IRVING, Texas — The spider monkey confiscated from a Dallas influencer following a single-car crash in Dallas in which police suspected her of driving while intoxicated will be returned to his previous owner, Irving police said.
The monkey has medical issues and showed signs of neglect, the sanctuary where he was taken says.
Funky Monkey Ranch, the sanctuary where the monkey was taken, said in a video shared on social media that the spider monkey, named Jorgie Boy by Dallas influencer Brandi Botello, had metabolic bone disease, and X-rays showed tiny fractures after the monkey was taken to a vet.
“I took one look at him and within five seconds immediately said, ‘that monkey has some severe special needs,’” a woman said in the video shared by Funky Monkey Ranch. “His joints are enlarged, he has fatty pockets around his ankles, his face and his jaw are misaligned. He looks completely different than what a healthy spider monkey looks like.”
The sanctuary also said the monkey appeared to lack proper nutrition.
The monkey came into the care of Funky Monkey Ranch after Dallas police say they confiscated the monkey after police say Botello was involved in a single-vehicle crash at about 6:30 a.m. Saturday in the 9900 block of Harry Hines Boulevard.
Police say the driver was suspected of driving while intoxicated and taken to the hospital for a medical evaluation, and no humans or animals were injured.
It’s legal to own some exotic pets, including monkeys, in Texas, but permits are required. The city of Irving, though, prohibits the keeping or selling of wild animals and Irving police say residents aren’t allowed to have primates.
Dallas police say the monkey was transferred to Irving before being transferred to a sanctuary to care for it. Irving police said it will not pursue charges related to the spider monkey and asked the sanctuary to return the monkey to its original owner, police said in a statement.