# Latin American illegal wildlife trade (August 2026) > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-american-illegal-wildlife-trade > Updated: 2026-08-13T23:41:57.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 7. The coordinated crackdown on wildlife trafficking continued across the region in late July 2026. In Mexico, authorities seized two infant spider monkeys that had been kept as pets and were suffering severe neglect. One male infant was taken to the Zoológico de Morelia in Michoacán, where veterinarians are providing intensive care for its critical condition, including severe malnutrition, dehydration, skin lesions and dental decay. The rescue resulted from a joint operation led by the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa), the state civil guard and the Michoacán State Attorney General. Zoo officials warned that each illegally sold monkey may represent the death of at least ten others. In early August, a separate operation in Pajacuarán, Michoacán, involving the National Guard and Profepa, led to the rescue of another malnourished spider monkey found in a small birdcage under unhygienic conditions. One individual was detained during this raid. The animal was also transferred to the Benito Juárez Zoo in Morelia for specialized treatment. The zoo reported that it has received 478 rescued or seized animals since October 2021, with 197 arrivals recorded so far this year. By mid-August, medical specialists at the Morelia Zoo reported that the spider monkey rescued in Pajacuarán is showing signs of progress. Although still in critical condition, the primate has begun eating on its own and spending time in the sun. The ongoing care plan includes dental assessments and nutritional monitoring. In Costa Rica, police again acted on a citizen tip in Agua Buena, Coto Brus, detaining a suspect who was transporting a critically endangered squirrel monkey (Saimiri oerstedii) in a backpack. Ecuadorian environmental police reported the rescue of four wild animals in the provinces of Azuay and Cañar, though details were not disclosed. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-13: Rescued spider monkey shows signs of recovery at Morelia Zoo A spider monkey rescued in Pajacuarán is showing signs of recovery at the Morelia Zoo, beginning to eat independently and adapt to its new environment under specialized medical care. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rescued-spider-monkey-shows-signs-of-recovery-at-morelia-zoo ### 2026-08-08: Michoacán authorities rescue malnourished spider monkey A malnourished spider monkey was rescued during an operation in Michoacán, Mexico. The Morelia Zoo has housed 478 rescued animals since 2021 as part of ongoing efforts to combat wildlife trafficking. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/michoacn-authorities-rescue-malnourished-spider-monkey ### 2026-07-24: Morelia Zoo rescues abused spider monkey from illegal trade Morelia Zoo is treating a severely abused spider monkey seized by Profepa in Michoacán, highlighting illegal wildlife trafficking and urging the public to stop buying wild pets. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/morelia-zoo-rescues-abused-spider-monkey-from-illegal-trade ### 2026-07-21: Mexico rescues endangered spider monkey; Costa Rica saves rare squirrel monkey from illegal trade Mexico rescued two endangered spider‑monkey infants seized from illegal pet trade, Costa Rica saved a rare squirrel monkey, and authorities in Mexico and Ecuador intervened in animal‑cruelty cases. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/costa-rica-rescues-endangered-squirrel-monkey-seized-from-illegal-trade ### 2026-07-17: Illegal wildlife trade rescues in Costa Rica and Argentina Authorities in Costa Rica rescued an endangered squirrel‑monkey and arrested a suspect, while Argentine police freed 23 cats from an illegal breeding house, highlighting crackdown on wildlife trade. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/illegal-wildlife-trade-rescues-in-costa-rica-and-argentina ### 2026-07-15: Wild monkey rescues in Venezuela and Peru highlight illegal pet trade Authorities rescued a capuchin monkey in Venezuela and a chained black howler monkey in Peru, both victims of illegal captivity, underscoring wildlife‑trade violations. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wild-monkey-rescues-in-venezuela-and-peru-highlight-illegal-pet-trade ### 2026-07-05: Monkey rescued from Itapema balcony sparks wildlife crime investigation A capuchin monkey rescued from a balcony in Itapema, Brazil, led to a probe that uncovered falsified ownership documents; authorities seized the animal and the keepers face possible criminal charges. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/monkey-rescued-from-itapema-balcony-sparks-wildlife-crime-investigation --- Cite as: Latin American illegal wildlife trade (August 2026). CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-american-illegal-wildlife-trade