Thanks for all the concern from supporters. We wanted to let you all know we are okay and still far from the Jolly Mountain burning in the Cle Elum area. Check out Diana’s post from Saturday for more information.
We haven’t had a lot change since her post, so thankfully the sanctuary is still safe and out of harms way. There has been a lot of smoke affecting all of the Pacific Northwest and beyond, but the chimps have been doing fine with it. The chimps spend a lot of time indoors anyway, but are choosing the ventilated space maybe a little bit more than usual. We have been adding supplements to help bolster their immune system and have been monitoring their behavior for any respiratory changes. Thanks to all who have reached out to us and we are thinking positive thoughts for our community in this stressful time.
Don’t worry, Jody is still keeping herself nice and relaxed.
Thanks for the update. I’ve been worrying!
I, too, have been very worried so it was a relief to read your report. Are the chimp enclosures air conditioned or have some sort of air filters? In the horrible event that the fire comes dangerously close is there a backup plan to keep them safe?
I’m sure they know that they have the best guardians. Take care of yourselves and those beautiful chimps.
Debbie
Hi Debbie – Yes, the chimps’ indoor space is ventilated and the air is filtered in the process. We have been allowing the chimps to spend time outside but they have been sensible enough to rest indoors for much of the time where the air is cleaner. Our plan for fires encroaching on the property is to shelter in place. The chimp house is located within a large defensible space and it was built with fire-resistant materials. In addition, it is surrounded by a wildfire sprinkler system. We work with our local fire agencies to coordinate plans and while we hope to never have to test them again, we feel very confident in our fire protection measures for the chimp facility.
I expect, J.B., that you have a great deal of support from the local community should you need extra help in some way. And the fire department, while they will save anybody and everybody!, have a special personal interest now. Take care. There are a lot of people everywhere these days that are facing climatic fury. Sadly.
I was worried too. So glad that you are all doing well. Thank you for keeping us posted and stay safe:)
Me too! I have been worrying about all of you. Especially any of you who may live close to the fires path. Please know you are in my thoughts! I also have been worrying about the possibility of smoke and ash in the air and the chimps dealing with it. I should have known they were smart enough to stay inside! I especially worry about Mr. Burrito with his heart condition. Clearly I can now see I no longer have to worry about Jody — she is super mellow and relaxed!
Always in my thoughts…
Keep the faith!
Thank you for the update! I’ve been checking the blog every day and it has seemed like all is fine, with the pictures and videos (thank you!) But just hearing the “still doing fine” post puts me at ease. And reading the reply from J.B. tells me that you are all on top of this and everyone will be safe. Lets keep the faith that the fires will die down soon, for all those out there close to them.
thanks again!
Carole
I look forward to reading about our friends everyday. Thank you for taking good care of them. What an amazing group.