We’re getting closer! Volunteer Jim Spencer has been coming all the way from Whidbey Island to help with construction, and together we’ve nearly completed the framing.
The greenhouse won’t be heated, but the polycarbonate panels should trap enough solar heat to make it comfortable on a sunny day. This morning, Annie spent a little time outside, despite the temperature being in the 30’s. With the greenhouse, she should be able to hang out in the outdoor area a lot more often.
Also, while the chimps love to eat snow, they don’t like to walk in it. Foxie will appreciate not having to tip toe through the cold snow to get to where she wants to go.
Anna says
Wow! Great pictures! GREAT project!!! This looks like a smart design, and I’m betting the chimps are going to love it! I can see that it’s going to be easy to customize just how much protection the outdoor space gets — especially if you don’t mind climbing up and down from the roof. 🙂
I have a greenhouse and have worked out an annual pattern of opening/closing vents and doors and adding heat (or not) as the seasons change. I’m sure after the first year you’ll have a pretty good handle on adjusting yours.
KUDOS for being willing to put in all the hard work for the benefit of the chimps. 🙂
Margaret and Karen says
I am glad to see what this looks like. Will there be poly on the sides as well as the top? It looks that way.
Jeani Goodrich says
Great pictures JB. It is good to be able to visualize what it is going to look like. And I love the picture of Foxie tiptoeing through the snow. I can hear her as she does it.
Candy (Tyler, TX) says
Anna, you said it, WOW!!! I love that top picture, take one from the same viewpoint when it’s finished. How many miles is Whidbey Island from Cle Elum? Jim Spencer you’re doing a great thing for the “7”, thank you. That’s an absolutely beautiful picture of Annie.
Theresa says
Thank you, Jim Spencer for helping with the greenhouse for these special chimps. I look forward to seeing the finished product and the chimps enjoying the outdoors in winter.
Foxie looks so funny tip toeing around the snow. Can you imagine walking barefoot in the snow? BRRRR! No wonder they don’t like walking in it.
Gayle says
That’s going to be great for the “7”… I’m sure they’ll love it. Another thank you, Jim Spencer. It’s a good thing you’re doing.
The first picture took my breath away… it’s beautiful there. You actually have mountains!!!! I’m sooooo jealous!!!
JB says
Margaret – Yes, the Outdoor Area will be completely enclosed in polycarbonate. There will be a little more wood framing on the walls before the poly goes on.
Candy – Whidbey Island is a long drive (plus a ferry ride!) from here. Two and a half hours, maybe? Jim is very dedicated and we are very lucky to have his help.
Candy (Tyler, TX) says
Jim Spencer, what a kind person you are, many thanks! You too, J.B.
BEVERLY SIEGEL says
The chimps must think they are in heaven. (Or that life goes from one extreme to the other in a very wierd way) Looks like a good home for the 7. How many chimps do you intend to house at your facility. Thank you for all the good you are doing.
Julie Harding says
Next year’s winter will be so different for the “7”!! Thank you, Jim, for your dedication to our very special friends in Cle Elem. The photos of Foxie were priceless!!
Helen Payton says
This is what we were all hoping for. The chimps will really enjoy this everyday once completed. I am excited for their continued opportunities. Thanks staff and volunteers for all that you do for these wonderful girls and guy!