 | |
| Species | Bornean orangutan |
|---|---|
| Born | February 13, 1971 San Diego Zoo |
| Died | December 1, 2000 (aged 29) |
| Cause of death | Euthanasia issued due to b-cell lymphoma |
| Known for | Escaping from his enclosures repeatedly |
Ken Allen (February 13, 1971 – December 1, 2000) was a Bornean orangutan at the San Diego Zoo. He became one of the most popular animals in the history of the zoo because of his many successful escapes from his enclosures. He was nicknamed "the Hairy Houdini".[1][2]
Ken Allen was born in captivity at the San Diego Zoo in 1971. In 1985, he gained worldwide attention for a series of three escapes from his enclosure, which had been thought to be escape-proof. During some of his escapes, his female companions joined him. Ken Allen's ability to outwit his keepers, as well as his docile demeanor during his escapes, resulted in fame. He had his own fan club, and was the subject of T-shirts and bumper stickers (most reading "Free Ken Allen"). A song, "The Ballad of Ken Allen", was written by David Gersten about him.
Ken Allen developed prostate cancer[3] and was euthanized on December 1, 2000.[4] He was 29 years old.
- ^ Silver, Alexandra (June 24, 2013). "Top 11 Zoo Escapes". Time. ISSN 0040-781X. Retrieved December 25, 2018.
- ^ Middleton, Duncan (August 7, 2016). "The missing lynx and five other animal escapees including Ken Allen the Orangutan". BBC Newsbeat. Retrieved December 25, 2018.
- ^ Dankula, Count. "Absolute Mad Lads - Ken Allen, The Hairy Houdini". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
- ^ PERRY, TONY (December 2, 2000). "San Diego Zoo's Beloved Escape-Artist Ape Dies". Los Angeles Times. ISSN 0458-3035. Archived from the original on December 19, 2010. Retrieved December 25, 2018.