NORTH TEXAS — Brandi Botello said she is “home” to her spider monkey Jorgy Boy. The animal is almost 3 years old and was adopted by a 31-year-old man over a month ago. On Tuesday morning, she got him back.
“My heart has completely come back. I really missed him. I never expected this day to come so soon or at all,” Botero said.
Botello said her Jorgy Boy was seized by Dallas police on Nov. 8 in an alcohol-related incident. She said Dallas police sent the monkey to the city’s animal control agency based on the driver’s license address in Irving. Pet primates are against the law in Irving.
They turned to Funky Monkey Ranch for help. Because this animal sanctuary specializes in primates.
Jorgy Boy’s Tug of War
Dwan Johns, owner of Funky Monkey He said the monkey had metabolic bone disease, which was confirmed by a veterinarian. Jorgy could not live with other spider monkeys because his bones were so fragile. Because of their vulnerability, monkeys were unable to behave truly like monkeys.
Medical records obtained by CBS News Texas show that the spider monkey had elevated enzymes in its liver and pancreas. She said there was a healing fracture in his tail.
Jorgy Boy was being fed, but the doctor said it wasn’t a proper diet. At almost 3 years old, he weighed 6 pounds. Spider monkeys weigh twice, if not three times as much.
But the criminal case against Botero lost Irving’s momentum. Police said they could not prove that animal neglect or animal abuse occurred within city limits.
“I didn’t like that they were trying to paint me as the bad guy without knowing the whole story,” Botero said. “And I feel like that situation doesn’t define my character.”
Irving PD said Funky Monkey Ranch was asked to return the monkey to Botero. Johns said she had not been contacted by police. She acknowledged the email from the city’s animal control department. However, Johns still refused to release Jorgy Boy. He has made some medical advances.
Botero’s lawyers, Waid & Associates, said the monkey is private property and the law says it cannot be seized without due process. They also said in a demand letter sent to Funky Monkey Ranch’s attorneys and the Irving City Attorney’s Office that no one could transfer ownership of Botello.
Irving also sent a reminder to Johns. When Johns handed over the animals, they sent a letter of thanks. By 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Botero had the monkey back.
brandi botello
“I really wanted to hold him again, hug him, hug him, kiss him,” Botello said.
Johns did not respond to requests for comment. Botello said the ranch owner contacted her and offered to help raise Jorgy. The social media influencer said she has done her research and knows John’s is a resource.
Botero said he has the proper documentation for the spider monkey. In the future, we plan to monitor the progress of his condition and improve his eating habits.
“She was supposed to provide me with his paperwork and veterinary visits,” Botero said. “I’m going to follow up with one of the veterinarians and I think they’ll be continuing his treatment and the medications he should be taking to get him back to health.”
