AR-News: (US) HI: Orangutan's Future Remains Unsettled

[cathy goeggel]

Posted on: Tuesday, May 11, 2004
Orangutan's future remains unsettled

By Johnny Brannon
Advertiser Staff Writer

After months of delay, Rusti the orangutan's new home remains in limbo.




No decision is likely soon on Mayor Jeremy Harris' plan for a private
foundation to build the popular ape a $200,000 pen at the Honolulu Zoo,
unless several sticky questions are answered.

The zoo must be sure the arrangement won't jeopardize its accreditation with
the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, and city lawyers must clarify
whether any fund-raising associated with Rusti on zoo grounds would be
allowable, according to City Council parks committee chairman Mike Gabbard.

Committee members had expressed concerns that the city would be solely
liable for any damage or injury if Rusti were to escape, and a decision on
the new pen was twice postponed. It's unclear when a vote will be taken.

Rusti has lived in an old gorilla cage at the zoo on a "temporary" basis for
seven years while his owners, the Orangutan Foundation International, have
sought a permanent home for him.

Last month, a top zoo accreditation official warned that the new pen could
be inadequate, and that allowing the foundation to choose a keeper for Rusti
and participate in his care could violate American Zoo and Aquarium
Association requirements.

An attorney who advises the parks committee wrote that the city generally
recommends mutual legal protection in partnerships, but that the council
should consider whether benefits outweigh concerns in this case.

The city is working to address the accreditation concerns.

Reach Johnny Brannon at jbrannon at honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.