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Santa Makes Stop For Zoo's Simians

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By LENORA LAKE, Tribune correspondent

Published: December 15, 2007

TAMPA - There was no monkeying around.

The primates went right to work ripping wrapping paper, throwing clothes to the ground and stuffing snacks into their mouths.

On Friday, eight species of monkeys and apes got presents as part of the annual Presents for Primates at Lowry Park Zoo. The holiday event is a way to provide stimulation and special treats for the animals.

The "enrichment" helps improve the "social, physical and mental aspects" of their lives, said zookeeper Tracy Crist, who helped toss wrapped boxes to the animals. The boxes contained sunflower seeds, raisins, hairbrushes, toothbrushes, T-shirts, hats and bathrobes. The items were donated by zookeepers and volunteer docents who wrapped the packages for the orangutans, Angolan colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, lemurs and other animals.

"They go bonkers for the raisins in the little boxes," Crist said.

The gift distribution drew a couple of hundred visitors, crowded around the habitats.

"They are just like kids with the clothes. They toss them," said Doug Dial, a parent accompanying a third-grade class from Celebration on a field trip to the zoo.

Some gifts were the same for all the animals of one species; others were picked specifically for certain animals, Crist said.

A bright blue bathrobe was supposed to go to Rango, a male orangutan. But a female, Josie, stole it.

Correspondent Lenora Lake can be reached at (813) 865-4851 or llake@tampatrib.com.

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