A Night At The Zoo
Even for Honolulu Zoo regulars, it’s a totally different experience spending the night camped out there
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the orangutans, Rusti and Violet. Also a victim of deforestation and palm oil production, orangutans are critically endangered. As Jason pointed out, although their numbers seem high (about 50,000), orangutans are dying off at 5,000 per year.
Maybe it was the time of day, but Rusti and Violet were very active. Rusti climbed a tree, Violet played in her cardboard box, and the two finally settled themselves on the elevated platform for some one-on-one time. This, Tesman said, is very rare and added that it’s the first time he’s seen Rusti climb the tree. I concur: During our many visits to the zoo, Rusti and Violet are usually spotted lounging under their hammock or, at most, walking around.
Their expansive habitat is one of the many contributions of the nonprofit Honolulu Zoo Society. Through programs such as Snooze in the Zoo and fundraising campaigns, in 2005 the Society was able to raise more than $100,000 to help build the enclosure. In 2006, the society initiated the help of the community to raise another $200,000 for the much-needed expansion of the tiger enclosure.
“It’s very important that people know that whatever we make from programs such as the Snooze goes to the Zoo Society, which means that money is directly put back into the zoo and conservation efforts,” said Tesman.
“This is different from money fundraised or received by the Honolulu Zoo directly because it is City and County, so that money goes into the City and County budget, which is rotated among other programs.”
Then, right on schedule, we headed to the gate for our 9 a.m. departure.
Until we meet again, our animal friends!
Snooze in the Zoo is offered during summer months. Upcoming Snoozes are July 10, Aug. 7, Sept. 4 and Oct. 2. Reservations are limited. Cost is $50 for ages 4 and up, and $45 for members. Private Snoozes are available for parties of 25 or more. For more information, visit www.honoluluzoo.org.
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