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George - the chimpanzee is going back to the “wild” in central Africa
Johannesburg, May 27, 2005
George - the baby chimpanzee that was confiscated from couple in the Limpopo Province few weeks ago is going to a sanctuary in Kenya. The couple got him from Mozambique and brought him into the country illegally. Chimpanzees are CITES 1 animals - meaning they are highly endangered species that can only be kept by a recognized wildlife institutions. They cannot be kept as pets.
The Johannesburg Zoo was asked to provide housing and professional care for the young chimp, as we have qualified and trained staff to take care of such animals. He was brought to the Zoo at the beginning of April while legal proceedings were taking place. And, at the same time, there was a process of finding him a suitable home.
The Zoo and PASA (Pan African Sanctuary Alliance) worked together in finding him a home. The home was found in Kenya at Sweetwaters a chimp sanctuary.
Kenya Wildlife Services and the Department of Environmental Affairs SA have confirmed that he will be leaving the Johannesburg Zoo on Wednesday, 1 June 2005. He will be couriered on cargo plane to Kenya. George will then be introduced to a group of similar aged chimpanzees.
The photo opportunity will be on Tuesday, 31 May between 10h00 and 10h30 before he leaves for Kenya. For more information, contact Senzo Ngcobo on 011-646 2000 extension 225 or e-mail
senzo@jhbzoo.org.za
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