Honolulu Zoo extends
orangutan’s stay

By Leila Fujimori
Star-Bulletin

Rusti the orangutan is getting a one-week reprieve from eviction.

Ken Redmond, Honolulu Zoo director, had threatened to give him the boot yesterday if construction on his new home did not begin -- and it hasn't.

The ape has been the zoo's guest for two years, while awaiting his new home -- a Big Island retired orangutan sanctuary -- to be built. Redmond would not comment yesterday on Rusti's fate, but promised word by next week after he checks on the progress of obtaining permits for the proposed sanctuary.

The Orangutan Foundation International plans to build the sanctuary on land adjacent to the Hawaii County Panaewa Zoo. But at the end of May, the foundation was still trying to get the needed funding and permits.

So Redmond wanted Rusti sent back to California if the foundation didn't start work on the facility, since the Honolulu Zoo could not provide adequate housing with the substandard concrete and chain link pen.

The foundation did clear one hurdle June 14, when the Land Board approved plans for the sanctuary, said Julie Tulang, Hawaii County parks director.

Earlier this year, the foundation signed a sublease with the county to pay $10 a year for the land.

Tulang said the foundation must still come up with the funds to build and maintain the facility and care for the animals.

The state Legislature designated nearly $900,000 for the sanctuary, "contingent on them (the foundation) raising funds before state money is released," Tulang explained.

But if Rusti gets evicted, could he stay temporarily at the Panaewa Zoo?

"We don't have the proper enclosure to house the orangutan," said Tilthon Sugi, the zoo's director.