Waco’s Big 12 pick the Big 12The Waco Tribune-Herald and Cameron Park Zoo are celebrating the Big 12 with a new contest this season: “Waco’s Big 12 Pick the Big 12.”

Twelve local mammals — 11 humans and oneorangutan — will go head-to-head to see who’s best at making college football game predictions. “It’s sure to be a gritty, down and dirty, trash-talking football pickin’ frenzy,” said Charlie Dansby, Waco Tribune-Herald marketing manager.

Among the prognosticators are representatives from 11 Waco-area businesses:Praco Pawn, John McClaren Chevrolet, Hampton Inn & Suites, Waco Hyundai, Johnson Group, Allen Samuels Dodge, C&M Air Cooled Engines, Marstaller Motors, Southwest Remodeling, Allen Samuels Chevrolet and First Texas Prime Realty. Rounding out the dirty dozen will be Mukah the Sumatran/Bornean hybrid orangutan, who calls Cameron Park Zoo home.

Mukah loves to watch TV, especially football, according to his human keepers. He will make his Big 12 game predictions live each Saturday at 10:30. If Mukah finds a game too close to call, he will consult with his Orangutan friends, Mei and KJ who will help with selections at 2:30. Primate and football fans are encouraged to come to the zoo and cheer him on. His first pick will be made on August 28 and he will continue his live selections every Saturday through November 20.

Keep up with Waco’s Big 12 and their picks each Saturday in the Trib fromSept. 4 through Nov. 27.