King Kong back to the jungle |27 February 2006

The model of the giant gorilla, which has been the centre of attraction in Victoria for some two weeks while the King Kong film was being screened, is now among the endemic palms and other plants at the Mont Fleuri Botanical Gardens.

Deepam Cinema has donated the King Kong model, built at a cost of R17,000 to the gardens as it did with the Hulk model.

Department of Environment assistant education officer Frankie Lablache said they decided to accept the King Kong model to add another attraction to the gardens.

A spokesman for Deepam cinema said the model, weighing between 700 and 800 kilos served as a promotional tool for the film, attracting a large number of people, Seychellois and tourists alike.

He explained that children from all over Seychelles  came with their parents to be photographed alongside King Kong. This is expected to continue at the gardens which also attracts many visitors.

The Deepam Cinema spokesman said that if it is well maintained the model should last for up to three years.

He said Deepam Cinema has volunteered to help with the maintenance which will involve mainly repainting it and replacing the casuarina leaves that make up its fur.

It is hoped that the King Kong model will last much longer than the character did in the film.