The Johannesburg Zoo’s male gorilla, Makokou, is back home after a trip to a veterinary hospital. A team of specialists made detailed preparations to transport Makokou via helicopter under lockdown regulations.
Eight specialists, the Veterinary Services and Animal Collection team as well as an aviation team are what it took to prepare for the trip. Makokou weighs 210kg.
The 34-year-old Western Lowland Gorilla has been suffering from a chronic nasal discharge and was not responding to medical treatment.
A detailed medical examination found he had a nasal growth. Makokou’s ailments required a diagnostic CT scan and the only scan that could take his weight and size is located in Pretoria.
Associate Veterinarian Dr Kresen Pillay says the goal was to get Makokou to safety.
“The purpose of our trip is to transport him to Ovah. They have been kind enough to arrange a CT scan, which is being sponsored by fund for us and a helicopter. The goal is to get him there safely and diagnose and see the extent of the lesions in his nasal cavity and we will have a specialist there. This procedure will help us plan any future procedures he may need.”
In the video below, is a television news report on Makokou’s journey to the vet:
Makokou is turning 35 on 9 July and preparations to celebrate this milestone are already under way.
