WATCH: Joburg Zoo’s gorilla Makokou leaves for medical examination

In May this year, a decision was taken to immobilize the Joburg Zoo’s male Western Lowland Gorilla Makokou, who is 35 years-old, for a complete health examination. He has previously been suffering from a chronic nasal discharge which had not been responding positively to routine medical treatments.

The chopper left off with the precious Makokou yesterday (6 June).

The Health Examination

In a statement by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo spokesperson, Jenny Moodley, a team of specialists were consulted to assist with further expertise and specialised equipment, to help in diagnosing the ailment.

This team together with the Veterinary Services and Animal Collection team at Joburg Zoo conducted the health examination on Makokou, after considerable planning. Moodley added that the initial examination consisted of a detailed physical exam, extensive blood work, radiography, electrocardiogram, cardiac ultrasound, ophthalmic exam, dental exam, rhinoscopy, blood pressure analysis and various other sample collections.

“During this procedure it was discovered that Makokou had a nasal growth which had been causing his symptoms. A biopsy of this was taken and sent for histopathology. The results revealed that he has chronic Rhinitis with inflammatory polyps developing in his nasal passages. This brings us to our plan for Saturday,” stated Moodley.

She added that the only way to accurately see the extent of these lesions affecting Makokou is to perform a diagnostic CT (Computed-tomography) scan. Unfortunately, due to his size which is around 210 kg; the only machine available that is large enough to provide a proper scan him and take his weight, is located at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (Ovah).

Professor Gerhard Steenkamp has kindly arranged for this procedure to be done at the Ovah, he has also arranged for a non-vet ENT (ear nose and throat) surgeon who will be there to assess the scans and further evaluate Makokou’s ailment.

Moodley stated that this surgery will likely be done at a later date once the CT scan has been completed and fully assessed. Prof. Steenkamp has also generously secured the services of pilot who was prepared to fly Makokou via a helicopter to Ovah for the scan. Mike Barnes, CEO from MCC Aviation will pilot the helicopter and together with Mike Goodwin his general manager, they have agreed to undertake this procedure pro-bono.

“Our veterinary team will meet at the zoo at 7 am to prepare for the procedure. Makokou will receive an oral sedative at 8am and be closed in his night-room. The helicopter will land at 9 am in the designated area, to transport Makokou. Dr Justin Grace and Dr Kresen Pillay from the Joburg Zoo will accompany Makokou on the helicopter. At OVAH he will have the CT scan performed and once this is complete, he will be returned to Joburg Zoo via the helicopter,” Moodley explained.

She added that in-depth preparations have gone on behind the scenes to ensure that all team members strictly abide by the extensive protocol measures in place.

Moodley concluded, “The well-being and care of Makokou who will celebrate his 35^th birthday on 9 July, remains of paramount importance for all staff at the Joburg Zoo.”