As Anna mentioned yesterday, the humans are hard at work getting ready for our new arrivals. The quarantine area is almost done, with just a few items remaining on our punch list. The big project we’re working on now is the installation of an overhead chute that will connect the indoor quarantine enclosures to an extension of Young’s Hill. This will accomplish two things: First, it will give the new chimps a way to get some fresh air while they’re still under strict quarantine, which prohibits sharing access to the existing enclosures for health reasons; and second, it will provide the new chimps with a way to access Young’s Hill after quarantine but before they are fully integrated into the existing group. This second point is important, because successful introductions are never guaranteed and even successful intros can stretch on for many months.
The reason for elevating the chute is to maintain access for people and equipment around the building, something that gets trickier as sanctuaries grow and get more complex. Plus, chimps just seem to love overhead chutes.
The team behind the project is led by Gary McInnis of Sage Mechanical (pictured above with a section of the new chute outside his workshop). We were first introduced to Gary through our good friend Ozzie at Spencer Fluid Power, who generously donated a hydraulic unit to power the chimp doors we inherited from the former Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute. Gary visited the sanctuary with Ozzie last fall to help advise us and before long he had offered to donate all of the labor and materials required to hook up the doors. He then asked about the caging we were building and offered to do that job for 25% less than the lowest bid we receive. All told, Sage Mechanical has donated $35,000 worth of materials and labor this year to help us create a home for Honey B, Willy B, and Mave. It’s rare for us to get to work with a group as generous and committed to the sanctuary as Gary and his team.
While the humans are working hard to get everything ready, the chimps are free to do as they please. For Missy and Annie, that often means playing. For Negra, it usually means a good nap. But once and a while she will get a little playful, as you can see in the video above.
Hi, Jeeb,
Considering where she came from and what her condition was when she arrived (not to mention she’s so cute she gets the “Squee-of-the-day” award for the next month!), and even how much she’s struggled for the last ten years, that bottom lip just says it all. Y’all put in the sweat and tears to see it come to fruition, but I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say it’s just as beautiful and appreciated on this side of the fence. 🙂
On yesterday’s blog I posted the link to my FB blog so your followers could see and follow Queen Negra’s progress, and would like to do that again in case folks missed it. If you feel that’s one-too-many times feel free to edit that part out.
http://www.facebook.com/glittercatstudios It’s the most recent posting at the top.
Finally, I need to share something.
You know as spectators unable to work with the chimps hands-on, we help support where and when we can. But there are some times when you guys and the chimps help US.
You guys helped *me* today. When I pulled up the blog to read it I was in the middle of an anxiety attack, full on my way to a level 4 panic attack. I don’t get them regularly anymore, but once in awhile, like today when I’m suffering Lupus, pinched nerves and stress all at once, they hit without warning. Suddenly, it dawned on me that the video was almost over, and my anxiety was completely gone! Watching Negra enjoy herself took me enough out of my own head that it let me focus on her enough to calm down fully.
Tonight when handing out the night bags, please whisper a big grateful and heartFULL thank-you in her ear for me. If it hadn’t been for you and her, I would have been in for one terrifying night.
Luvs to all from the GlitterCats in Tennessee,
~~C
I second Carla Rene’s share about the fact that NO MATTER what the stress in my life is at the time… reading the blog makes my day great.. and I live in the wonderful comfort of knowing that the 7 are safe and happy…… and little do they know awaiting new friends… or maybe they do know… Also… can you clarify for me where to have items from Amazon shipped please? I see the PO Box but I’m not sure if that is the best choice for an Amazon shipment… Thank you!!! 🙂
That;’s the address I use, Jusy, and things always arrive!
Jusy – If I’m not mistaken, items from the Amazon wish list should be automatically addressed to the sanctuary. But for UPS our physical address is 24951 Hwy 10, Cle Elum, WA 98922. Thanks!
Will there be a live feed so we can watch the new residents arrive?
I’m hoping for video of some sort, too, but I think they know how much it means to us and will get as much as possible.
Hi Meg – Probably not a live feed, but we will post as much video as we can!
I just watched the video…..I love to see that particular belly shaking with laughter!
Looking forward to seeing the caging installed, reminds me of Fauna Foundation. Can’t wait to see the walkways being used! Thank you J.B. for showing us the amazing people behind the scenes. The big hearts at Sage Mechanical and Negra’s playful video (with Annie wiggling her toes hopeful for a tickle too) just made my day.
I agree with Carla René and Jusy, following your blog is a wonderful de-stresser. The chimps shenanigans and your love and care puts everything back into perspective. Thank you.
It is pure delight to see Negra looking happy. From the video, I believe that you have earned her trust, and her approval. Thank you, CSNW.
I agree with Carla & Jusy how much the Fab 7 (soon to be 10) help us. I have had serious health issues but am always inspired by how much the chimps have suffered yet go on living, loving & trusting others. I get much joy watching them live their lives and this gives me hope in living mine. Grateful for your love and care to our closest relatives.
Thanks for all the comments on how much the blog means to you! It means a lot to us to know that the seven have had such an impact on the world.