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July 10, 2009

Zoo contest to name baby capuchin monkey

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The Little River Zoo has a new addition to the family. A female black and white capuchin monkey, whose mother wasn't able to figure out caring for her baby, was born May 3.

With summer bustling with activities at the Little River Zoo, the zoo handlers need your help. Children, ages 5-15, are invited to help name the new baby girl capuchin monkey.

To enter the naming contest, visit the zoo and meet baby capuchin personally, or just visit the zoo Web site www.littleriverzoo.com. Each naming entry needs to be submitted by Aug. 1. All entries must have parent or guardian permission.

Capuchins are the smartest of all the monkeys. Their life span is around 40 years. Unfortunately, they are often purchased for pets when they are very young, and then many good-intentioned owners come to realize how these monkeys do not make good pets.

"Many of the monkeys brought to the Little River Zoo came from previous private ownership," said Janet Sadler, director/co-founder of the Little River Zoo. "The zoo then introduces these monkeys back into family groups so they can live as normal a life as possible."

All the primates at the zoo were born in captivity, as the zoo does not take animals from the wild. Capuchin monkeys share and practice deception, which are both signs of intelligence, and recent research indicates they also understand the concepts of justice and fairness.

The winner of the Baby Capuchin Naming Contest will receive a free KangaKids Membership to the Little River Zoo. The winner will be photographed with the baby capuchin and the photo will be posted on the zoo Web site.

The Little River Zoo is home to nearly 400 animals. The zoo is south of Highway 9 on 120th Avenue SE, and open daily from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. For zoo programs and special events, visit the Web site at www.littleriverzoo.com.

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