1997 marked the 7th annual Wise Monkey Picnic in New Port Richey Florida…..The picnic was a huge success!! There were over 140 Human Primates in attendance and tons of Non Human Primates….there were too many capuchins to count , 2 Gibbons Monkey Maddness' own E.T. and his little brother 7 month old Jr., 3 baby Spiders, new born Red Handed Tamrins (2), 1 Diana, and a sweet Squirrel monkey (Taz), one Serval.

There was food galore, and our wonderful host Tim Wise Bar-b-Qued all day; ribs ,chicken, burgers and all the trimmings…. Minnie Wise whom is one of the most dedicated primate caretakers I know had worked diligently getting prepared for the picnic…. She sported both hands full of blisters and other numerous markings of her hard work and we do appreciate it Minnie!! There was even some entertainment by some cute little monks….Rocky and Ringo with their caretaker in attendance Paul Rosner ; and to my delight and everyone's favorite Lenny Schendowich.......AKA Uncle Lenny was there with his munks …… This year Monkey Maddness had several families that traveled from all across the U.S. to be at the picnic.

This picnic was a huge success and functions like this is so very important to all of us… It affords us the opportunity to share information and enjoy being with other primate caretakers. These functions help us to be united and feel that we are not alone. We need every opportunity and every forum we can find to exchange information and educate ourselves to better provide for the care of our non-human primates. Only positive experience and enrichment can be obtained from a gathering of people such as this. We at Monkey Maddness wish to extend a heartfelt THANKS to Denise and Tim Wise for incurring the expense and all the hard work to host this picnic…. We enjoyed it so very much and look forward to next year!! There are lots of pictures of the picnic up on Monkey Maddness website so do go check them out.!!! Denise and Tim wish to let every one know "That they are not alone out there, that All Gods Animals are created equal and that they all need and deserve Love and Respect" also that "Next Years Picnic will be even better than 1997 they promise!!!" So hope to see you there…..

Robin Sloan
monkeymom@monkeymaddness.com