Ken Allen was an orangutan at the San Diego Zoo, who became one of the most popular animals in the zoo’s history because of his many successful escapes. In fact, he was nicknamed “The Hairy Houdini.” In 1985, Ken gained worldwide attention for escaping from "escape-proof" enclosures. His ability to outwit his keepers and his docile demeanor during his escapes resulted in his own fan club, t-shirts with is name on them, bumper stickers, and even a song about his escapades — “The Ballad of Ken Allen.” When Ken decided he had enough of being closed in, he would escape, often unscrewing every nut and bolt he could find. However, he would never leave the zoo. Instead, he would stroll around looking at other animals. He was never violent, nor was he aggressive towards zookeepers or other animals……..except for another orangutan named Otis. Otis he despised. In fact, during his second escape, he made a beeline for Otis’s enclosure and started throwing stones at him. After the attack, the zoo temporarily placed Ken in solitary confinement, but it wasn't long before was allowed back in his enclosure. Of course, another escape quickly ensued. In 1987, zoo officials hired experienced rock climbers to find every finger-, toe- and foothold within the enclosure, spending $40,000 to eliminate the identified holds that allowed Ken to escape. Unfortunately, Ken developed lymphoma and was euthanized in 2000. He was 29 years old.
