Animals & Pets

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May 12, 2025 Oakland, CA... Last Thursday, the Oakland Zoo assisted with the rescue of a female spider monkey (now named Violeta) who was surrendered by her owner during a narcotics related search warrant conducted by the Solano County Sheriff's Office in Vallejo, CA. Violeta was then transported by an Oakland Zoo Animal Care staff member to the Zoo's Veterinary Hospital. She was reported to be in decent health and around 18 months old, during her initial and awake physical exam. Veterinary staff have begun UV light treatments and calcium supplementation. In the next week, the Oakland Zoo's Veterinary staff will perform a CT scan, a more thorough physical exam, and bloodwork to assess organ function and infectious disease status. Veterinary Hospital staff are taking measures to ensure Violeta's overall wellbeing and have reported that she is doing well in her temporary home where keepers have set up enrichment, along with blankets and toys to keep her comfortable and stimulated. They are providing her with a healthy diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, and she is drinking formula that will help to minimize the likelihood of pathologic bony fractures.

Baby spider monkey rescued from suspected meth dealer’s home. Now, a new life awaits

Violeta the baby spider monkey is beginning a new chapter at the Oakland Zoo after she was rescued by authorities during a methamphetamine bust in Solano County.

Los Angeles, CA - May 11: A zoo attendee passes by animal rights activist Peggy Beal, right, as she protests in front of the Los Angeles Zoo to stop the transfers of elephants Billy and Tina on Sunday, May 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. The zoo recently put a pause on its elephant program and announced their intention to transfer Billy and Tina to an elephant habitat at the Tulsa Zoo. (Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times)

Judge denies emergency motion to stop transfer of L.A. Zoo elephants Billy and Tina

A female black bear and her cub in South Lake Tahoe
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A western fence lizard — AKA blue belly — presides over its domain from atop a stump.

Climate & Environment

Our friendly neighborhood fence lizard: Why Californians love this reptile

According to one app for nature observers, it’s the most commonly seen creature in California: the western fence lizard. Why? The answer reflects how humans have invaded its space and how it has adapted to ours.

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