Jorgie Boy, the spider monkey who catapulted to internet fame after he was seized last month by Dallas police, has returned home.
Animal service officers turned over the 3-year-old monkey Tuesday to his previous owner, Brandi Botello, a Dallas influencer, at her attorney’s office. Crying, Botello, 29, scooped up the monkey and held him to her chest. Around her, a handful of supporters held “Welcome home” signs.
“I can’t even describe this feeling,” she said. “It has been too long without him.”
The emotional reunion capped a monthlong saga that divided and fascinated the public over who should have custody of the exotic animal: his owner for the past three years or an animal sanctuary that works with primates.
Funky Monkey Ranch in Burleson previously told The Dallas Morning News it would not return the monkey because it worried for his health and safety. Owner Dwan Johns did not return a phone call or text message Tuesday.
A veterinarian report provided by Johns showed the monkey was diagnosed with metabolic bone disease caused by poor nutrition, lack of Vitamin D and elevated liver levels. At 3 years old, he weighs 6 pounds, less than half of a typical spider monkey.
On Tuesday, Botello, who said she considers Jorgie Boy her child, said she would continue to administer his medication, provide sun therapy to increase Vitamin D and offer nutritious foods.
Dallas police confiscated Jorgie Boy after an alcohol-fueled crash Nov. 9 on Harry Hines Boulevard. Botello faces a DWI charge, although she denies she was the one driving. Neither she nor the monkey, who was asleep on her lap, were injured.
In the days after the crash, Botello took to social media to plead for the monkey’s return, posting photographs and videos of Jorgie Boy wearing miniature pajama sets, eating hot Cheetos and sleeping curled against her.
Some of Botello’s followers on Instagram shared her posts with the hashtag “Free Jorgie Boy,” with sanctuary supporters responding “Jorgie is Freed.” The ordeal led to the creation of Jorgie Boy-themed cryptocurrency coins, sparking more than $1 million in trades.
The monkey was transferred to Irving, where Botello lived, before moving to the sanctuary. Irving officials eventually convinced the sanctuary to relinquish the monkey, an attorney for Botello said.
“Pets are personal property,” attorney Dan Wyde said Tuesday. “No one, including the government, can take your pet away and give it to someone else.”
While it is legal in Texas to own some exotic animals, including monkeys, the city of Irving restricts ownership of wild animals. Botello said her driver’s license showed a previous address in Irving, but she actually lives in Dallas, which does not appear to restrict such ownership.
It’s not known where Jorgie Boy is originally from. Spider monkeys are native to South America, but they are one of the most trafficked species crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Traffickers take infant monkeys from the wild, often killing their mothers and members of the troop who try to protect the young, the association says. Wildlife trafficking is frequently linked to other organized crime and has become a component of larger trafficking networks that involve drugs and weapons.
Botello bought the monkey when he was just 2 months old, and they became close companions. The two frequently shopped together, watched Dallas Cowboys games and dressed in themed costumes, like Dora the Explorer and her pet monkey, Boots. Botello tattooed Jorgie Boy’s name on her shoulder.
Wrapping him in a hug, Botello said she was grateful to have her baby back.
“This is my Christmas present,” she said. “This is all I want.”