Tony
Stewart’s former pet monkey, Mojo, now resides
at the Louisville Zoo
((EDITOR’S NOTE: Please call prior
to coverage.))
Mojo, a 3-year-old patas monkey
previously owned by NASCAR superstar Tony Stewart and Krista
Dwyer, recently made the Louisville Zoo his home.
When Stewart and Dwyer noticed Mojo
maturing and becoming aggressive, they sought help. They
contacted the head of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
patas monkey Species Survival Plan who recommended the
Louisville Zoo as a great fit for Mojo.
“The transfer of Mojo from an
environment where he’s been a pet to Louisville Zoo’s Gorilla
Forest is a win-win situation,” Louisville Zoo Gorilla Forest
supervisor Roby Elsner said. “Mojo gets to experience a social
life typical for his species, and AZA’s North American captive
population of patas monkeys, which needs to grow, is increased
by one.”
Mojo and Dwyer arrived in Louisville
via a private jet Aug. 24, 2007. Since that time Mojo has
gotten acquainted with his new home and has also been introduced
to the Zoo’s three female patas monkeys. He will be on exhibit
for the first time tomorrow, Friday, May 23.
“Tony and I know bringing Mojo to the
Louisville Zoo was the best thing for him,” Dwyer said. “We want
Mojo to be happy and live a good life.”
Stewart
agrees.
“The Louisville Zoo and staff are
first-rate,” Stewart said. “They are very passionate about the
animals they care for and truly believe in their mission. I know
Mojo is in terrific hands.”
Dwyer said saying goodbye to Mojo was
the hardest thing she has ever had to do.
“We will miss him, but we know this is
the best thing for him. We have to let Mojo grow up and be the
best patas monkey he can be,” she said, “and that means being
with other patas monkeys. I love Mojo but want people to know
that primates and wild animals don’t make good pets.”
Dwyer and Stewart plan to visit Mojo
often.
Like the gorillas, Mojo and the three
female patas monkeys rotate throughout Gorilla Forest on a daily
basis so they will not always be visible.
“I’m glad we stepped up to the plate to
take Mojo,” Elsner said. “He has a wonderful energetic
personality that Zoo visitors will definitely enjoy.”
The Zoo is currently open daily, from
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (exit by 6 p.m.). For more information on the
Louisville Zoo, visit www.louisvillezoo.org or call
502-459-2181.
WHAT ARE PATAS MONKEYS?
Patas monkeys are native to Africa,
often found in open bush and grass savanna regions. They are
threatened, and have been designated by the Association of Zoos
and Aquariums (AZA) as a Species Survival Plan (SSP) species.
There are only 72 patas monkeys in 12 institutions in North
America accredited by the AZA. In the wild, these monkeys are
killed for meat and the destruction of their habitat in some
areas is due to heavy cattle grazing and conversion into
farmland. They are very slender and gauntly built. Adults have a
moustache and whiskers, usually white, while the body fur is
reddish gray with pale underparts.
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The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit
organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to
bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing
excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and
leadership in scientific research and conservation education.
The Zoo is accredited by the American Association of Museums (AAM)
and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Mojo photos by Kara Bussabarger
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