Just a quick update to let you know that, despite a minor setback from the Taylor Bridge Fire, we are making progress on Negra’s Cabin. The “cabin”, which will actually be a three-sided shelter with a transparent ceiling and walls, is the result of your contributions to our fourth anniversary fundraising drive. The shelter will provide a comfortable space for the chimps on the cold, windy, and wet days of spring and fall. We also hope that it will help chimps like Negra learn to spend more time out on the hill, as some chimps need a little more time to get comfortable being out in wide open spaces.
Our rough vision for the cabin:
And that vision slowly being realized:
We are building this with Negra in mind, but I am starting to think that Jody will be the first to move in and make a nest in a fluffy bed of straw. Hopefully, in a few weeks, we will get to find out.
JB, you’ve got mad skills!
Looks like it will be cozy once it’s done. 🙂 Wouldn’t mind having one of those myself.
Considering the risk of wildfires, do you think you guys might start using more fire-resistant materials to build stuff for the chimps? I know that would probably be costly, but I just wonder since some of the wood structures were damaged.
That’s a good question. We will certainly use fire resistant materials in areas near the building (according to “firewise” building and landscaping guidelines) so that the chimps aren’t put in danger. But out on the hill, I think we need to accept the risk of damage to some structures both from a cost-of-construction perspective an because we don’t want to limit the chimps’ access to natural materials. In other words, we don’t mind replacing a few posts if/when we experience another fire as long as the structures don’t increase the risk of fire near the building.
Them welding skills are coming in handy!
I’m thinking this looks more like a condo rather than a cabin…… But Neggie deserves just that.
Looks great, JB. thank you for all of your hard work!