Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Friday, April 26, 2024 79° Today's Paper


Top News

Honolulu Zoo chimp exhibit reopens

Allison Schaefers
1/1
Swipe or click to see more

DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARADVERTISER.COM

The chimpanzee exhibit at the Honolulu Zoo. The exhibit was reopened after being forced to close when a chimpanzee climbed onto the top of the wall.

The Honolulu Zoo reopened its chimpanzee exhibit today.

The city closed the exhibit in May after a chimpanzee climbed onto the top of the wall separating his exhibit and the aviary exhibit. His 10-minute escape was designated as a “code red,” and if he had gone into a public area personnel were instructed to shoot to kill.

The city had been grappling with problems at the chimpanzee exhibit for several years. It made modifications to address a previous escape and to eliminate rust in the holding area. The zoo was faulted by USDA inspectors in 2014 and 2015 for two previous chimpanzee escapes and for rusty enclosures, which inspectors said “compromise the integrity of structures.”

While the zoo improved rock work and installed additional hot wire, the chimpanzees were kept in a back holding area.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.