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Talk of the bay
SheiKra plans push orangutans to Busch back lot
By MARK ALBRIGHT
Published April 25, 2005
The Busch Gardens hype machine is in overdrive promoting SheiKra. But a popular family of orangutans evicted by the Tampa park's next big thrill ride has only slipped out of sight, not out of mind.
The moated island that was home to the park's popular great apes for more than 30 years was transformed quietly into the foundation for the towering new coaster.
Trucked off in shipping containers they did not hesitate to enter, the orangutans ended up on the back lot of the 335-acre Tampa park while officials ponder their next move.
Dixie, 21, Dayak, 18, and their 2-year-old daughter, Alina - who was born at Busch Gardens - may be living in a temporary domain. Yet it was specifically built for them with a roof and a full set of ropes and climbing poles.
Busch has a roughly five-year cycle of park improvements that's adjusted annually to meet strategic needs. Some years it's rides. Other years it's shows or animal habitats. Before moving the orangutans again, park officials are reviewing whether the new home will stand on its own, be an addition to the main primate habitat or become part of a bigger rehab of the park's animal habitats.
"We have not made a decision," said Glenn Young, vice president of zoological operations. "But we definitely want to keep the orangutans. They're great animals, and have been part of our collection for a long, long time."
[Last modified April 22, 2005, 18:58:02]
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