This morning, after a few days of being locked out of Young’s Hill for construction, the chimps were able to go back outside and explore their new structure. All of the chimps made a beeline straight to it – all but Negra, that is. Even though it is designed, built, and named for her, we knew that it would take her some time before she was comfortable enough to check it out.
In the meantime the other chimps are more than happy to take advantage of it. Missy, Annie, Jamie, and Jody seem to really like the little platform at the top.
Our thanks go out again to everyone who donated to our 4th Anniversary fundraising drive this summer, including the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) and the many individual donors that helped us reach our goal. Because of you, the chimps can now enjoy the hill in almost any weather. Now that construction is complete, we have begun designing the plaque that will adorn the cabin with the names of those who helped make it possible.
Jamie was the last to climb up to the top, but once she did she didn’t seem to want to come back down:
Missy must have climbed up and down at least 10 times:
Burrito just followed the food:
Michelle Chambless says
What a wonderful treat for the chimps! And funny Burrito with both hands full AND a full mouth too!!! Thanks for keeping us all updated on our sweet chimps!
leslie sodaro says
Jaimers will figure out it is good in the rain one day while she is out dismantling it and discovers that it is … raining outside of it
Connie says
Love the video and the chimps were so excited to go outside today and check it out. Thanks for letting me be there for it. Great cabin J.B.!
Mary C Otterness says
I’m very happy that it is completed and look forward to a picture of cautious Negra climbing it when she’s ready!
Marcia Douthwaite says
Burrito and Negra have their first priorities—food. Bet they will be inside and up and down soon. Many thanks for the photos and video. Love to all.
Seewolfman says
Perhaps I have missed something, but I have not seen a way how to get inside of the cabin. I would be grateful, if someone could explain that to me… (sorry for being stupid)
J.B. says
No need to apologize for asking questions 🙂 The cabin is three-sided – the side facing the camera is completely open.
Seewolfman says
Thx for explaining. I like the construction and the chimpanzees too,obviously. Everyone has been there meanwhile except Negra and Foxie, I think.
Marsha says
I love the idea of keeping the rain off the chimps – but what stops them from running into the plexi glass? Is that a 3 or 2 sided building? Thanks for the terrific video…
J.B. says
It is a three-sided shelter. I’m not quite sure if you are asking whether they will accidentally run into it or if it is strong enough to withstand then running into it. With regard to the former, the Lexan panels are clear but you can see some reflections in it just as you can with regular glass. As to the latter, polycarbonate is the material that is used in bulletproof glass, so it is incredibly strong and shatter-resistant.
Libby says
I had no idea this was coming up so fast – what a treat to see on this Sunday afternoon. I laughed out loud for a long time at the shots of burrito running back from the hill so loaded down with food he could barely walk :). Clearly they love climbing it and will take some time to figure out the rest.
Also hilarious watching Negra make run for the lettuce!
What a fun day.
Sara Lissabet, Fairfax says
I’m sure they didn’t want to get stranded in the rain away from the known shelter but I bet once someone does it with a friend it will become quite popular to stay out even if it starts raining.
When it rains does it pour or remain steady for long periods of time, or are there days with just light showers off and on that don’t soak the ground too much?
I love the fact that they have something else to climb up! Maybe you should add a canopy of green over the top so the whole thing is sheltered but open.
Or would Burrito try and eat it? 😉
J.B. says
We get both types of rain here. But compared with our friends in Seattle on the other side of the mountains, we are much more likely to get an actual rainstorm than a steady, unending drizzle.
Dawn says
I am totally surprised that Negra’s cabin is complete! I am having to adjust to it myself. I thought it would be more rustic, but is a blend of high tech and rustic I guess. I suppose it will be mainly a rain shelter then, as it will get frightfully hot in the sun inside that won’t it? Yep, I do agree with the poster who suggested some green growing around it to give it more of a sheltered look. So glad they (almost) all are enjoying it though.