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Gift Giving Means Monkey Business At Lowry Park Zoo

Tribune photo by MICHAEL SPOONEYBARGER

A mandrill takes a closer look at his gift today from Presents for Primates.

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By LENORA LAKE

llake@tampatrib.com

Published: December 19, 2008

Updated: 12/19/2008 05:45 pm

TAMPA - The primates knew something special was happening – long before the zookeepers began tossing the animals their holiday presents.

Spectators gathered early around the animals' compounds for this afternoon's Presents for Primates, Lowry Park Zoo's annual holiday showcase featuring gifts from the zoo's docents. Orangutans and chimpanzees held out their hands while colubus monkeys ran up and down trees.

"With this kind of crowd, they know something's up," said Jane LaFave, a keeper for the primates. "Also, they can pick up that the zoo staff is excited."

The presents, bought and wrapped by the docents, featured oranges, apples, dried fruits, raisins, stuffed toys, blankets and shirts. The gifts are "enrichment," something extra to provide entertainment and stimuli.

The animals tore through the paper – leaving it and the boxes around their compounds.

Sophia Love, 11, a home-schooled student from Tampa, was among the many visitors with a camera. She said she likes to take pictures of animals but had never seen them open presents before.

She was surprised by their reactions.

"I didn't have any idea what would be in" their presents, she said.

Correspondent Lenora Lake can be reached at (813) 865-4851.

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