American Idol fans learned last night the Milwaukee County Zoo is now home to a bushbaby (Galago mohol) named “Simon.”  Producers of the hit show contacted the Milwaukee County Zoo’s member organization, the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, to inquire which zoos house this particular animal.  Only a handful of zoos actually have this species in their collections, the Milwaukee County Zoo being one of them.  Behind the scenes, producers were hoping to present the “Best Buddy” award to two former contestants, one of which Simon said resembled a bushbaby. The joke was played back on Simon when the producers decided to sponsors the Zoo’s bushbaby, at a $1,500 level, and name him Simon. (The contestant had been approached beforehand for his approval.) Visitors are invited to see the bushbaby on exhibit in the Zoo’s Small Mammals Building.

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