Ken escaped his enclosure several times despite the zoo’s constant and expensive security upgrades. Although Ken continued to outsmart his keepers, when he did escape, he chose not to go anywhere. Instead, he simply sauntered around the zoo shaking hands with tourists and enjoying watching the other zoo animals.

Ken Allen achieved fame after his escapes garnering his own fan club, the Orang Gang, merchandise with the slogan “Free Ken Allen” pasted onto T-shirts and bumper stickers, and there was even a hit song about his life called “The Ballad of Ken Allen.”

Come hear the incredible true story of the wily, lovable orangutan known as the Hairy Houdini.