The Long Arm Of The Law Gorilla Becomes Anti-Crime Celebrity After Being Shot In Fight With Suspect

Max, the 400-pound lowland gorilla shot by a man who invaded his zoo home, returned to his outdoor pen Tuesday on the mend from his wounds and somewhat of a celebrity in the fight against crime.

Max had been kept inside at the Johannesburg Zoo since being wounded Friday, but was well enough to return to the outdoor enclosure, which has a pool and trees, zoo warden Phillip Cronje said.

Last week, Max’s assailant jumped into the gorilla enclosure while fleeing police. He was then attacked by the 27-year-old gorilla, who was defending his territory and his mate. Max was shot twice before police wounded the suspect with a shot to the hip.

The wounded Max then attacked police, biting two officers.

The suspect has refused to give police his name. He is in custody, charged with trespassing and firearms violations.

Posters around the city have lauded Max as a crime-fighter.

“Max the gorilla always gets his man,” read one placard. “Max, our prime mate” and “No more gorilla warfare,” read two posters made by zoo employees.

Police joined in the fun, presenting Max with a bulletproof vest.