Today we’re under construction! We broke ground on our greenhouse project (enclosing the outdoor area in a removable greenhouse so that the chimps can use that space more in the winter months) and we’re replacing one of our pneumatic doors with a clear glass window. That means that the chimps are closed in the front rooms only today, so we’ve been busy entertaining them. Right now, Burrito is watching a video. Jamie just finished some art projects, after watching Jackie paint the wall in the playroom. Missy is eager to play (as always!) and I just got done playing chase with her. Negra and Jody have been nesting all day and Foxie has been busy playing with her trolls. Earlier Missy lifted Annie off her feet in a game of wrestle! We’ve had raisin boards and seed forages and all kinds of healthy treats.
Here are some photos of the work in progress. First, here’s Matt Poppoff working on the concrete prep for the greenhouse. It’s a yucky rainy day so we’re especially grateful to Matt and Poppoff Inc for helping out today.
Getting ready to take the door out:
It’s out!
The window is installed in this picture, though it’s so clear you can’t even see it:
And here are some pics of the chimps. Missy working on a raisin board:
Jamie with her raisin board:
I am trying to figure out which door has been turned into a window??? It kinda looks like the door they use to go outside but that cannot be true. If it was how could they get outside?
“Puzzled Margaret in Seattle”
Any chance of the chimps running into that window by accident??? My bulldog just did that today on my patio door. Thank goodness he has such a hard head but it did scare the heck out of all of us!!!!
Looking really good, keep up the good work!!!
Ooooh. I know way too much about digging trenches and doing concrete work in the rain … my hat’s off to Matt!! And to all of you – this is a clever but ambitious project, and you’ll no doubt curse the idea a time or two before you’re done. But what a wonderful thing for the chimps! And what a fabulous experiment in solar energy. 🙂
Maybe you can grow snow peas and cabbage out in the walkways beyond the caging for chimp treats in winter!
I agree with you Margaret, which door is it again? I think all the changes will be worth it and look great. You know I bet Jamie was watching everything going on.
Hi everybody,
The door we took out is an extra door between the playroom and the outdoor area (one we don’t use). We’re going to reinstall it in the front rooms so the chimps can go between the front rooms and the outdoor area without having to go through the playroom. But there will still be a door between the playroom and the outdoor area too!
And Gayle – JB and I were talking about whether they’d run into it today. I bet they will – because JB already has! But the chimps and humans will learn pretty quick I bet!
Sarah
It’s awesome to be working on a project like this, But it’s sad to see Foxy and Burrito looking at me through the window all day. The’ll be happy soon!
Way to go Mattmo! Doesn’t look like fun but the chimps will appreciate it!
Oh, thank you for the post on the daily activities, I have been so worried.
If nothing else it was a good day to “nest” and do “raising boards”.
I can’t wait to see the progress.
Thanks, Sarah. I knew there would be a logical explanation! I didn’t know there was that spare door. I love that they are going to be allowed out through the front rooms. This means that they won’t have to wait until the play room cleaning is finished before they can get outside. YEAH!
I hope JB will know I love him BUT I wouldn’t be surprised if Jamie can figure out the window WITHOUT having to bump into it! 🙂
Oh, and the Poppoffs deserve big pant hoots for working for our seven friends in the rain! THANK YOU.
I agree with you Margaret, add my pant hoot to Matt and Poppoff Inc. for their hard work. Matt, you’re providing visual enrichment to the CE7, they’re loving it.
Thank you Matt and Poppoff, Inc.! The chimps are going to enjoy the new additions so much!
Matt, Burrito and Foxie are watching you because they are intrigued I’m sure. They would be doing something else if they weren’t curious. As Candy said, you are providing enrichment.