Ruthless dictator or charismatic liberationist?
“Joe the Dictator,” as he was nicknamed by zoo personnel, was an infamous rhesus monkey at the Milwaukee County Zoo and he just couldn’t seem to keep his name out of the papers!
By 1948, Joe had established his authority on Monkey Island. In 1953 he led an insurrection against the zookeepers, inciting 50 monkeys to rebel against capture when it came time to move them indoors for the winter. The revolt dragged on for 10 days!
The following summer, Joe took on a more benevolent role when he started "babysitting" the youngsters. Of course, as dictator of the Island, Joe was likely responsible for most of these births. As reported by Milwaukee Zoo News, “he doesn’t let his motherly duties interfere with his regular job of running the colony...The red bottomed dictator may be getting soft in the heart, but not in the head.”
Over the years, Joe fiercely defended his title as ruler against other monkeys who attempted to oust him. According to zoo publications, which frequently updated the public on the events and politics of Monkey Island, Joe remained the dictator until 1962 when, in his old age, he was overthrown by his very own son, Joe Jr.
What do you think: Was Joe a ruthless authoritarian? Was his babysitting a guise to train the youngsters as his new rebel army? Maybe he was just a big, softy at heart when it came to the babies? Was his insurrection a plot to maintain control of the island? Or, was Joe just a mischief-maker who did’t like being stuck indoors all winter long?
If you’re hungry for more zoo history, be sure to stop by our exhibit on the 2nd floor of the library highlighting papers from the Zoological Society of Milwaukee Records.
