Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey

Whiplash
Born c. 1987 (age 28–29)
Miami, Florida
Residence Stephenville, Texas
Other names Pistol[1]
Occupation Rodeo performer
Years active c. 1990-present
Height 30 in (76 cm) [2]
Weight 7 lb (3.2 kg) [2]
Relatives Kenny Petet (owner)
Website http://www.whiplashthecowboymonkey.com/

Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey (b. circa 1987) is a white-headed capuchin monkey known for riding a Border Collie at rodeos across the United States.[3]

Biography

Early life

Animal trainer Tommy Lucia purchased Whiplash as a baby from the widow of an animal enthusiast in Miami, Florida.[4] As Lucia raised the young monkey, he introduced him to balancing on a saddle, then to the family's dogs. Over time, the dogs became used to carrying the capuchin.[1]

Career

Whiplash has been riding since age two and travels with Kenny Petet,[5] appearing at rodeos in North America and Europe.[6] Since 2004,[7] he has starred in a series of television advertisements for the fast-food chain Taco John's.[8] He has also appeared on ESPN,[9] Good Morning America, and The Today Show. On January 29, 2009, Whiplash was knighted in St. Paul, Minnesota, by the St. Paul Winter Carnival royalty at Tom Reid's Hockey City Pub near the Xcel Energy Center.[6][10]

"Round em up"

Whiplash is also known for being the inspiration for the catch phrase "Round em up" which was first yelled out in 1991, at a rodeo as Whiplash was rounding up sheep.

References

  1. 1 2 Scott, Jesse (2003-07-15). "Monkey Business". Casper Star-Tribune.
  2. 1 2 Robbins, Kevin (2008-03-08). "Monkey business for this little fellow at rodeo". Austin American-Statesman.
  3. ↑ Moore, Nancy (2007-07-20). "Whiplash rides again". Dallas Morning News. Whiplash, a capuchin monkey trained by Tommy Lucia of Weatherford, will ride his border collie steed and put on a sheepherding show starting this weekend...
  4. ↑ Bunch, Joey (1987-01-18). "Stock Show: Prime time for primate". Denver Post.
  5. ↑ http://worldofrodeo.com/rodeonews/2013/whiplash-cowboy-monkey-moves-cowboy-capital-stephenville-texas/
  6. 1 2 Casstevens, David (2008-01-26). "Weatherford trainer dotes on his tiny star". Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
  7. ↑ Reinan, John (2004-06-28). "Selling tacos is monkey business". Minneapolis Star Tribune. Taco John's, a longtime but low-profile presence in Minnesota's fast-food market, has launched a new TV campaign built around Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey.
  8. ↑ Horwich, Jeff (2005-07-08). "Behind the scenes of 'Burrito Rider'". Minnesota Public Radio.
  9. ↑ Littman, Margaret (2004-10-01). "Storyboard: Monkey See, Monkey Do". Chain Leader.
  10. ↑ Walsh, Paul (2009-01-29). "Smallest Cowboy Knighted". Minneapolis Star Tribune.
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