Bernsen
Bernsen
Vindi and BernsenNorth Tulsa -
A Tulsa Zoo chimpanzee celebrated his fifth birthday on Sunday.
Bernsen's birthday bash began at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, and members of the public were invited to swing by and wish Bernsen a happy birthday.
The primate keeper gave everyone an update on Bernsen's development and talked about what to look forward to as Bernsen grows within the zoo's chimp troupe.
The celebration featured yummy birthday treats for Bernsen including paper mâché tubes, balls, and a giant cardboard toy.
Primate Keeper Emily Hallford told Tulsa's Channel 8's crew that Bernsen was born in captivity.
"We need to preserve in captivity," Hallford said, "as well as conserve in the wild."
Also present at Bernsen's party were his mother, Susie, and his sister, Vindi. Susie is 41 years old, and Vindi is four months older than Bernsen.
"Chimpanzees are very intelligent," said Hallford, "and they can figure things out."
Chimpanzees are members of the Hominidae family, along with gorillas, humans, and orangutans.
The Tulsa Zoo is located in the 6400 block of East 36th Street North.
The zoo is owned by the city of Tulsa and is part of the Tulsa Parks Department. It opened in 1927.
