After being confiscated, they were sent to Nashville Zoo to live in a safe, stable environment. “The Nashville Zoo is here to educate the public about the plight of these vulnerable animals, and the impacts humans have on their survivability,” said Dr. Heather Schwartz, Director of Animal Health at Nashville Zoo. The three newcomers join Mistletoe and Julia, two Mexican spider monkeys the Zoo welcomed earlier this year, bringing its total to five. A heavily trafficked speciesMexican spider monkeys are trafficked across the U.S.-Mexico border in large numbers to meet demand in the illegal pet trade. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Wildlife Confiscations Network has placed rescued animals — including nearly 100 spider monkeys — into safe, professionally managed environments.