Rusti's plight continues after council doesn't OK enclosure money

By Johnny Brannon
Advertiser Staff Writer

The curse of Rusti the orangutan has struck again.

After months of delays, the City Council on Friday postponed what was supposed to be a final vote to approve the popular ape's new home at the Honolulu Zoo.

Council members said they had no choice but to delay the vote because Rusti's owners, the Orangutan Foundation International, haven't worked out an acceptable deal with the zoo.

The foundation has agreed to spend $200,000 on a new enclosure for Rusti — who has lived for seven years in an outdated gorilla cage — but officials say the cost could be twice as much.

"We're kind of in a conundrum," city managing director Ben Lee said. "We've worked very very hard, and I thought we were close."

Questions about how the primate's keepers would be chosen, and who would be responsible for his care and security, remain unresolved and could threaten the zoo's accreditation, officials say.

"We, as council members, have to be protective of our zoo, and not just this one animal," Councilwoman Barbara Marshall said.

Foundation attorney Sherry Broder would not say whether there are any plans to move Rusti away soon if the deal falls apart.

"I certainly hope that this matter can be finalized as soon as possible," she said.

Zookeeper Linda Vanatta said Rusti should be sent away.

"If we really want to save Rusti, it's time to say 'no,' and hope and pray that OFI will do the right thing and send Rusti to a sanctuary that's already built on the Mainland," she said.

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