Oldest Snow Monkey In North America Celebrates Birthday At Minn. Zoo
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Happy birthday, Nikko!
On Wednesday, North America's oldest snow monkey celebrated his 33rd birthday at the Minnesota Zoo.
"Nikko arrived at the Minnesota Zoo in 2001; since that time, he's been a great animal to have in the troop," Minnesota and Tropics Trail Curator, Tom Ness, said.
Ness says it might be Nikko's personality that has kept him alive so long.
"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 snow monkeys. We believe that his personality has helped him survive twice as long as a typical male."
The zoo says Nikko has lived longer 99.5 percent longer than other known male snow monkeys.
Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley.