Makoko, Public Debut 

Johannesburg, January 11, 2005 

Makoko is finally coming out of his 45-day quarantine. Many will remember that Makoko came to the Johannesburg Zoo on 26 November 2004. He came from Munster Zoo, in Germany. This young 17-year old stud is destined to be a companion for Lisa, the ‘widow’ of a well-known Max the Gorilla who died of old age last year.

Makoko’s Media Debut invitation

Date: Thursday, 20 January 2005

Time: 11h30 for 12h00

Place: Gorilla Enclosure; Johannesburg Zoo

Makoko’s public debut will take place on the 22 and 23 January 2005 at the Gorilla Enclosure next to the Max Memorial Garden. It is where he will be introduced to the public of Gauteng. Speaking through his curator Phillip Cronje (chief negotiator), Makoko has asked for an extension on his lobola settlement to Lisa, indicating that the 22nd is too soon. He said he would settle his lobola on the 14th February, stating “this would be a great valentine present for Lisa. Johannesburg Zoo CEO, Jenny Gray has reluctantly agreed... 

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