OHSU staff and monkeys celebrate the birthday of the oldest monkey at OHSU’S Oregon National Primate Research Center

Research

Media Alert

WHAT

Animal care technicians, researchers and staff at OHSU’s Oregon National Primate Research Center will celebrate a special birthday this week. Trapper, a Japanese macaque monkey is turning 38 (114 human years). Animal care staff have organized a birthday party for Trapper and the other monkeys that live with him in a two-acre outdoor corral. The party will include a piñata, healthy animal treats, and wrapped presents for the monkeys.

WHEN

Friday, July 1st at 3:30 p.m.

WHERE

OHSU’s Oregon National Primate Research Center, 505 N.W. 185th Ave., Beaverton (approx one block south of Walker Rd.) Press members will be directed to the event once they reach the primate center’s main gate.

DETAILS

Trapper was born July 2nd, 1973. Trapper, a Japanese macaque (snow monkey), is the oldest monkey on the OHSU campus (by 7 or 8 years), and among the oldest macaques in the world. The entire Japanese macaque troop lives in a large (2-acre), outdoor corral at the primate center. Trapper’s mother, Twiggy, was among 55 Japanese snow monkeys that arrived at the center in 1965. The primate center housed and cared for the monkeys when development of wilderness areas threatened their existence in Japan more than four decades ago.

For many years, Trapper was the dominant monkey (the leader) of the troop as monkeys naturally form hierarchical relationships when they live in groups. While Trapper is no longer considered the alpha male, the other monkeys appear to respect him.

The Behavioral Services Unit, a subgroup of the primate center’s large animal care staff, is organizing Friday’s event. The unit helps care for the animals and promotes natural behaviors in monkeys such as foraging for food or grooming. The staff also conducts and publishes research on new and effective ways for caring for monkeys in captivity while ensuring their well being. 

NOTES

The party is open to employees and the media. However it is not a public event due to space issues.

For press members who cannot attend, OHSU will have photos and videos available. Contact Jim Newman at newmanj@ohsu.edu for more information.


OHSU Communications
503 494-8231