Kokomo Jr. facts for kids
Kokomo Jr. was the special name given to at least two different male common chimpanzees. These chimpanzees were famous animal actors! One was born around 1955, and the other around 1967.
In 1957, Kokomo Jr. became the animal mascot for the Today Show, a popular TV program. He took over from another famous chimpanzee named J. Fred Muggs. Kokomo Jr. was well-known because he could "talk" – he could say the word mama when asked! He retired from his acting career in 1983.
How Kokomo Jr. Started
Kokomo Jr.'s trainer, Nick Carrado, was a stage magician. He found the first Kokomo Jr. at an animal farm in Cape Cod around 1956. Nick was touring with his magic show at the time.
The name "Kokomo" was a mix of two of Nick's army friends' names: Coco and Moe. At first, Nick used Kokomo Jr. in his magic act. He taught the chimpanzee to do simple stage illusions, which are like magic tricks!
Becoming a TV Star
While Nick Carrado was touring in Florida, he heard that the producers of the Today Show needed a new ape. Nick took Kokomo Jr. to an audition. The chimpanzee was hired right away to be the show's new mascot!
For two years, Kokomo Jr. helped present weather forecasts on the show. He also performed in short funny skits. Kokomo Jr. became a very busy TV star! He appeared on many other popular TV shows too. These included The Tonight Show, What's My Line, I've Got A Secret, To Tell The Truth, The Price Is Right, and Candid Camera.
Life Behind the Scenes
In 1957, Kokomo Jr. was made an honorary citizen of Kokomo, Indiana. This means he was given a special honor by the city!
In 1972, The New York Times newspaper wrote about Kokomo Jr. They described him as a "5-year‐old, 2½-foot-tall, 65-pound chimp." The newspaper also shared a secret: there had been a previous chimp with the same name! Nick Carrado actually used two different chimpanzees. They would work on alternating days. This helped make sure neither chimp got too tired from their busy schedule.
Kokomo Jr. lived with Nick Carrado in New York City. Stories were told that Kokomo Jr. even had his own pet dog that he looked after! After Nick Carrado retired Kokomo Jr. in 1983, both chimpanzees lived with Nick in North Carolina.
