OFI helped rescue adult male orangutan Rusti in 1997 from a backyard zoo in New Jersey. Conditions at the zoo were less than optimal and provoked year-long demonstrations by animal activists. After OFI took Rusti to Hawaii, the state of New Jersey closed down the zoo.
OFI designed a large enclosure for Rusti at the Honolulu Zoo where he is now on permanent loan. The enclosure is arguably the best orangutan enclosure in the U.S. It is very large with grass underfoot and an old hundred fifty-year-old fig tree, reminiscent of trees in Rusti’s native habitat, in the center of the enclosure. Rusti was joined by Violet, an adult female from the San Diego Zoo. The two proved to be a very compatible couple. This is one story of a rescued animal that truly had a happy ending!
Published on March 1st, 2013
Read other articles about Rusti.
Rusti Stays in Hawaii: Sanctuary-like Facility to be built
February 25, 2004
Rusti, a 24-year-old cheekpadded male orangutan, owned by Orangutan Foundation International (OFI) and brought to the Honolulu Zoo some years ago for a temporary stay, will now stay in Hawaii permanently. Mayor Jeremy Harris and OFI President Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas signed an agreement between the City of Honolulu and OFI on February 13, 2004 in front of Rusti’s current cage at the Honolulu Zoo.
Rusti settling in at new sanctuary in Hawaii!
February 26, 2006
The new sanctuary in Hawaii is now open and Rusti has a mate called Violet! OFI is delighted to announce that all of our efforts to establish a Banyan Tree Home in Hawaii have been fulfilled.
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Where is Rusti now? How is he doing?
Super!!
I am glad Rusti is getting on well. I done a school Project on him in 2009 and I check up on him periodically to see how he is getting on. Fantastic news to see him live and well. So glad to see him and Violet enjoying their days in such a wonderful location.
I just saw him today! He is very funny to watch.