February Performer Spotlight - Chimp-fabulous!

During the month of February many cards are exchanged for Valentine's Day and some of those were probably of a variety that is one of my personal favorites to send for all occasions, "MONKEY CARDS"!  Okay technically monkeys have tails and chimpanzees are actually apes but "monkey cards" are what these little gems are affectionally known as.  So in honor of all those recipients who found a "monkey" in their mailbox this month we spotlight an entertaining act who makes those greetings possible, The Rosaire-Zoppe Chimpanzees' Chimpfabulous!

This show is trained and presented by Pam Rosaire-Zoppe an eighth generation animal trainer with the assistance of her husband Roger Zoppe.  Together they travel across the country bringing their show with the important message of conservation to the public at fairs, festivals, rodeos and special events. 

The show consists of Pam Rosaire presenting her magnificent chimpanzees who show off their talents such as dancing ballet, riding a skateboard, acrobatics and even performing a back-flip upon a galloping pony!  In fact the Rosaire-Zoppe Chimps have been  PRCA (Profession Rodeo Cowboy Association) card holders for nearly 40 years!  Some of the amazing animals in this show are Ricky, Geraldine, Kenya and Chimba. This is the last and only Chimpanzee act currently performing in the United States.

They have performed for Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey, Disneyland, the Tonight Show, The Late Show with Conan O'Brien, and even graced the pages of Vanity Fair.  Recently an independent film about the Rosaire family, the Circus Rosaire, has been shown at over 20 film festivals worldwide and received many awards and critical acclaim.

In addition to their shows they are also available for movie, television and print advertising work.  When not traveling the chimpanzees call Florida home, the Rosaire family operates a 501c3 non profit sanctuary call the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary the takes in retired performing animals, rescued animals and animals who found themselves in unfortunate circumstances such as the illegal pet trade.

In the past few weeks the Rosaire-Zoppe Chimpanzee's have welcomed a new member to their troupe "Chance" a young male Chimpanzee who will turn a year old next week.  Chance had been living with a family who simply didn't realize how difficult it could be for themselves and Chance living as a family pet.  Chance will be joining the Rosaire-Zoppe Chimps for the 2010 season!