Post #707080 by AceExplorer on Fri, Feb 7, 2014 7:20 AM

Yup, Thor, I know you are correct -- Disney needs a sponsor/champion, followed by acceptance of the concept, and then funding and design time. Time is not on our side right now, although the right person(s) could consider making a run for it.

Two other options - and I'm fishing to engage someone in-the-know:

1. Rainforest Café - if they're not all saltwater. They love and benefit from publicity which could easily be built around Rufus. There's one of these at South Coast Plaza, right?
2. The design firm of Schussler Creative - a very long shot - but they are known to Disney, and they "may" (heh) be involved in concepts for the Disney Springs project (And, hey, that's entirely freshwater-centric!)

So even if Rufus were to be temporarily relocated, he could make a grand re-appearance again in the future. Many places would benefit from, and need, a toothless piranha which eats carrots at scheduled times, poses for photos, or just makes a bar look damn impressive!