Mayor sides with Rusti on new cage

By Johnny Brannon
Advertiser Staff Writer

It's silly to fear that Rusti the orangutan will escape and get the city sued, and Honolulu should be grateful to keep the lovable creature that has won so many hearts, Mayor Jeremy Harris said.

"I'm sure nobody has to worry about Rusti going bananas," Harris said a day after a City Council panel called for lawyers to fine-tune a contract and help protect the city from any damage the powerful primate may cause.

"They're looking a gift horse in the mouth," Harris said.

The Orangutan Foundation International has agreed to build a large new enclosure for Rusti at the Honolulu Zoo to replace the cramped old gorilla cage he has lived in for seven years while the group sought a permanent home for him.

The group would still own Rusti and help care for and study him, and some council members worry the city would be held solely responsible if the great ape got away.

The council's Parks Committee gave city and foundation lawyers at least three weeks to work out a contract clause that would clarify such matters.

Some animal-rights activists have charged that there was too much secrecy surrounding the city's plans to keep Rusti after an earlier plan to move him to Kualoa Ranch fell apart.

City Managing Director Ben Lee said no announcements were made when negotiations began because officials didn't want people to be disappointed if the city's plan didn't work out either.

The foundation's attorney said Rusti could be moved away if the latest problems aren't solved soon.

"It will be a shame if this community loses Rusti because of some bruised egos or some legal mumbo jumbo," Harris said. "He is a living creature who deserves a safe and healthful place to live, and he is a joy to kids on this island."

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