Three baby spider monkeys rescued from wildlife trafficking: Central Florida Zoo

SANFORD, Fla. (CBS12) — Three baby spider monkeys have found a new home at the Central Florida Zoo.

According to zoo officials, the three primates were confiscated at the U.S-Mexico border, where they were being smuggled into the country as part of the illegal pet trade. Zookeepers say the one male and two female monkeys' ages range between five and six months old—because they appear to be different ages, officials believe they are from three different troops, meaning many monkeys were killed in the wild to obtain the trio.

The trio came to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens through a partnership with the U.S. government and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). Zoo officials say the three monkeys are now under the care of 41-year-old black-handed spider monkey, Big Guy, who has been a dad 15 times and who has strong paternal instincts.

After suffering many hardships early in their lives, the Central Florida Zoo hope to provide the baby monkeys' with a new chance at life.

We are thrilled that despite their horrible start in life, we are able to provide these monkeys with a safe life with excellent care."

“At the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, conservation and education are at the very heart of our mission,” said CEO Richard Glover Jr. “We are thrilled that despite their horrible start in life, we are able to provide these monkeys with a safe life with excellent care. They will also make a difference for their species and many others by helping educate the public about the importance of ending wildlife trafficking and the illegal pet trade.”

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Officials named the spider monkeys, Sunny, Violet and Klaus, after the characters in the book series, “A Series of Unfortunate Events.”