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Minnesota Zoo Snow Monkey Oldest in North America
“Nikko” celebrates 29th birthday this month

Apple Valley, MN – September 27, 2012 – The Minnesota Zoo’s snow monkey “Nikko” is celebrating another year – and reaching an age milestone for his species.

Born in September, 1983, Nikko is the oldest living male snow monkey in North America (per the studbook, an international record-keeping system that is similar to a pedigree).

Said Minnesota and Tropics Trail Supervisor Tom Ness: “Nikko arrived at the Minnesota Zoo in 2001; since that time, he’s been a great animal to have in the troop. As one of the dominant males, he has always been laid back – helping to maintain peace within in the troop which is not typical of male macaques. We believe that his personality has helped him survive almost twice as long as a typical male.”

Species longevity in the international studbook is age 34 for males, 39 for females.

Just three other living snow monkeys in the world (recorded in the international studbook) are older than him: two in Czechoslovakia (age 32) and one in Roma (age 31). Of all males overall (living and deceased) there have been only seven older than Nikko.

There are currently 298 living males (globally) and 1363 total males in the international studbook. It’s estimated that Nikko has lived longer than 99.5% of other known male snow monkeys.

The Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. For more information, call 952.431.9500 or visit mnzoo.org. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).