Johannesburg Zoo’s jolly good fellow celebrated his 35th birthday with his favourite treats. The Western lowland silverback gorilla, Mokokou, was delighted to have some curious faces join him as his birthday guests when he awoke on 9 July.
Mokokou gorged on his birthday presents, a fruit-topped jelly cake and popcorn. The mighty giant was a bit nervous at first to greet all of his visitors but after a few minutes he lapped up the attention and pulled off some birthday poses.
The Joburg Zoo silverback gorilla, Mokokou celebrates is 35th birthday with a yummy jelly cake. Photo: Ashtyn Mackenzie
MMC for Community Development, Margaret Arnolds joked about sharing a star sign with him (Capricorn) and how they tend to mind to themselves. She remarked about how special Mokokou is and thanked the staff at the zoo for their undying care towards all of the zoo’s animals. “We must all strive towards a post-Covid world that is compassionate and involved in the preservation of nature- if not for nature’s sake, then for the sake of our own survival,” she urged.
Mokokou smiles for the camera as he celebrates his 35th birthday. Photo: Ashtyn Mackenzie
Mokokou joined the zoo, after Max, the famous crime-busting gorilla, died in 2004 of natural causes. In 1997 Max had made international headlines after he had rushed to defend his partner, Lisa, when a burglar jumped into the gorilla enclosure. Max was shot in the jaw and arm and was taken to the Milpark Hospital, where the bullet in his jaw was removed.
Happy birthday to the @JoburgParksZoo to Makokou who turns 35 years old today! pic.twitter.com/CjHSKrw3mP
— Ashtyn Mackenzie (@AshtynMackenzie) July 9, 2020
Mokokou who is part of the international Zoological Information Management Stud Book (ZIMS), was born at the Stuttgart Zoo in 1985. To manage genetic diversity of gorilla populations, he arrived at the Joburg Zoo at age 19, in 2004. Enrichment officer Candice Ward from Johannesburg Zoo, who helps look after the gorilla, spoke about his favourite things to eat. She was excited to see him celebrate his birthday for the whole country to see.
Enrichment officer Candice Ward from Johannesburg Zoo talks about the treats Mokokou got for his birthday. Photo: Ashtyn Mackenzie
Fans from all of the world sent their messages of celebration to Mokokou, truly reflecting the impact conservation and education animals can bring to the globe.
Dr Jenny Gray, former head of the Joburg Zoo and current executive officer of Zoos Victoria in New Zealand, sent a heartfelt birthday message recalling Makokou’s arrival in 2004. “You have grown as an icon for Johannesburg with a giant presence that reminds us of the threats facing gorillas, and the importance of preserving nature.” Gray added that he was the best looking and her favourite, “For thousands of children you are their point of contact with our closest cousins.”
Mokokou enjoys his favourite treat, popcorn on his 35th birthday. Photo: Ashtyn Mackenzie
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