Tony Stewart’s former pet monkey, Mojo, now resides at the Louisville Zoo

Mojo, a 3-year-old patas monkey previously owned by NASCAR superstar Tony Stewart and Krista Dwyer, recently made the Louisville Zoo his home.

When Stewart and Dwyer noticed Mojo maturing and becoming aggressive, they sought help. They contacted the head of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) patas monkey Species Survival Plan who recommended the Louisville Zoo as a great fit for Mojo.

“The transfer of Mojo from an environment where he’s been a pet to Louisville Zoo’s GorillaForest is a win-win situation,” Louisville Zoo Gorilla Forest supervisor Roby Elsner said. “Mojo gets to experience a social life typical for his species, and AZA’s North American captive population of patas monkeys, which needs to grow, is increased by one.”

Mojo and Dwyer arrived in Louisville via a private jet Aug. 24, 2007.  Since that time Mojo has gotten acquainted with his new home and has also been introduced to the Zoo’s three female patas monkeys. He will be on exhibit for the first time tomorrow, Friday, May 23.

“Tony and I know bringing Mojo to the Louisville Zoo was the best thing for him,” Dwyer said. “We want Mojo to be happy and live a good life.”

Stewart agrees.

“The Louisville Zoo and staff are first-rate,” Stewart said. “They are very passionate about the animals they care for and truly believe in their mission. I know Mojo is in terrific hands.”

Dwyer said saying goodbye to Mojo was the hardest thing she has ever had to do.

“We will miss him, but we know this is the best thing for him. We have to let Mojo grow up and be the best patas monkey he can be,” she said, “and that means being with other patas monkeys. I love Mojo but want people to know that primates and wild animals don’t make good pets.”

Dwyer and Stewart plan to visit Mojo often.

Like the gorillas, Mojo and the three female patas monkeys rotate throughout Gorilla Forest on a daily basis so they will not always be visible.

“I’m glad we stepped up to the plate to take Mojo,” Elsner said. “He has a wonderful energetic personality that Zoo visitors will definitely enjoy.”

The Zoo is currently open daily, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (exit by 6 p.m.). For more information on the Louisville Zoo, visit www.louisvillezoo.org or call 502-459-2181.

WHAT ARE PATAS MONKEYS?

Patas monkeys are native to Africa, often found in open bush and grass savanna regions. They are threatened, and have been designated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) as a Species Survival Plan (SSP) species. There are only 72 patas monkeys in 12 institutions in North America accredited by the AZA. In the wild, these monkeys are killed for meat and the destruction of their habitat in some areas is due to heavy cattle grazing and conversion into farmland. They are very slender and gauntly built. Adults have a moustache and whiskers, usually white, while the body fur is reddish gray with pale underparts.

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The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Association of Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

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