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[Josh Greenman <joshg1973 AT yahoo.com>]

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2005-03-04-monkey-auction_x.htm

Right to name new monkey species sells for $650,000 

NEW YORK (AP) — The right to name a new species of monkey sold Thursday for 
$650,000 in
an online auction, with the funds going to protect the Bolivian habitat where 
the species
lives, the Web site that handled the sale said.

The winning bidder, who outbid Ellen DeGeneres, chose to remain anonymous for 
now, said
Kelly Fiore, director of business development for the New York-based auction 
venue,
Charity Folks.

There was no immediate information on what the winner planned to name the 
species, but an
announcement might be made later, Fiore said.

The new monkey name will have to conform with the rules of the International 
Commission
on Zoological Nomenclature, the organization that ensures every animal has a 
unique and
universally accepted scientific name.

The species of titi monkey — which is about a foot tall and has a brown body, 
a golden
crown, orange cheeks and a white-tipped tail — was discovered by a Wildlife 
Conservation
Society scientist in Madidi National Park in Bolivia last year, the 
conservation society
said. The term "titi monkey" describes about 30 species of monkeys found in 
South
America. (Related story: 'Name that primate' auction supports Bolivian 
wildlife)

The proceeds of the auction were to be given to Bolivia's park service to 
help protect
Madidi and the many animals that live there. The conservation society said it 
was
overjoyed.

"The Internet just became a safety net for this monkey and Madidi National 
Park,"
Wildlife Conservation Society president Steven Sanderson said in a statement.

Talk show host DeGeneres donated an outfit and several pairs of sneakers for 
separate
auctions, whose proceeds then were pooled into a bid to name the monkey. The 
money raised
by her auctions still will go to support Madidi, said Michelle Gross, a 
spokeswoman for
her show.

Charity Folks didn't charge a commission on the monkey name auction.