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The King of the Courtyard and His Growing Kingdom

June 19, 2020 by J.B.

Willy B has been exploring more of his modest kingdom.

In his quest for scattered grapes, he has taken his first tentative steps on grass and dirt and away from the safety and security of familiar objects and structures. At times he is bold.

Other times he is more cautious.

This morning he inspected the grass from the safety of a plastic tub, as though he was in a dinghy setting out from a larger vessel.

While he is still hesitant to step on grass, he no longer has any fear of being outdoors. In the nine years since we opened Young’s Hill, I can’t remember a single time that any of the Cle Elum Seven took a nap outside. They run and climb and swing, they forage and they hunt, they patrol and survey. They even relax at times. But they never nap outdoors.

According to Willy B, they don’t know what they’re missing.

One of the things I’ve been meaning to do for a while is to explain what our plans are for the sanctuary over the next couple of years, particularly as they relate to Willy B, Honey B, and Mave. I know it can be confusing. We had hoped to integrate our three new residents with the Cle Elum Seven, knowing that we could house them separately if it didn’t work out. As you know, it didn’t work out, so we are now following Plan B. As far as backup plans go, things are pretty good – but we have a lot of work ahead of us, and I hope to clarify how we intend to meet the needs of these three as well as those still to come.

Phase 1 – The First Step in our Expansion

The Californians, as many of our supporters call them, live in our new wing, which was the first part of a three-phase expansion plan. There are smaller indoor rooms on the first floor (Front Rooms), a larger room upstairs (The Mezzanine), and an arched tunnel that connects Front Room 5 to the outdoor area (The Chute).

The Front Rooms
The Mezzanine
The Chute

The Courtyard

When we reverted to Plan B, our first thought was to alternate access to the 2-acre outdoor area, Young’s Hill, between the Seven and the Californians until we could create a separate outdoor area. But we realized that having a smaller yard to themselves would be safer and less intimidating for the new guys as they adjusted to the outdoors, so we carved out a section of Young’s Hill just for Willy B, Honey B, and Mave. The Courtyard, as we call it, is a separate space but at this time it is only separated by a single fence so we don’t allow the two groups out at the same time.

Next Steps: Phases 2 and 3

Phases 2 and 3 of our expansion plans were developed in conjunction with Phase 1, but building enclosures for chimps requires a lot of money so we knew we would have to break the project up into manageable pieces. Phase 2 consists of a large indoor playroom, divided into two sections, with 20-foot ceilings, catwalks all around, and large tree-like climbing structures from floor to ceiling in the middle of each room. Phase 3 consists of a divided greenhouse enclosure, connected to the playrooms, with a mulch floor and removable polycarbonate panels on the roof and three sides to provide warmth and shelter during the winter months (just like our existing greenhouse for the Seven). Originally these additions were designed for one group, but we decided to enlarge and divide each area to give us more options. Now, when both phases are complete, we will not only have a larger home for Honey B, Willy B, and Mave, but we will also be able to take in another group of chimpanzees from the now defunct Wildlife Waystation. The groups could be integrated but the space will allow two groups to remain separate if needed.

The south elevation of Phase 1
South elevation showing the addition of Phases 2 and 3

 

The view from above, showing the original building (on the left, oriented east/west) and the Phase 1 addition (on the right). The additions will extend into the empty area where the tractor is parked.

 

The future floor plan, showing Phases 2 and 3.

 

Funds for Phase 2 were raised before the pandemic struck, so we are excited to be breaking ground this year, as soon as permits are issued, with the hope of seeing Honey B, Willy B, and Mave enjoy their added space by winter. To save on construction costs, we will also be completing the foundation, steel framing, and hallway of the Phase 3 greenhouses at the same time, with the caging and polycarbonate panels to be installed later once additional funds are raised – hopefully by next spring or summer.

Additional Outdoor Enclosures

One thing we have learned over the years, much to our frustration, is that plans change. Five years ago, we made the decision to work towards expanding the sanctuary so we could take in more chimps. But there have been so many twists and turns along the way that making plans has been like shooting at a moving target. Ultimately, we focused most of our attention on the initial stages and left a lot to be determined as events unfold. Like the outdoor areas, for example.

Now that the future of the sanctuary is coming into focus, we realize that our three new residents, and those still to come, need their own outdoor spaces. To accomplish this, we have decided to rebuild the fences to create an additional 2-acre fenced enclosure, tentatively named The Bray in memory of our dear friend and former board member, James Douglas. James’ wife, Jennifer, is a long-time friend, supporter, and volunteer. She is sponsoring a good part of this project and chose the name, which we love. “Brae” is the Celtic word for hillside and James hailed from Bray, Ireland.

Enlarging the total footprint of the enclosures was only made possible because we now own all of the surrounding parcels and we don’t have to worry about maintaining a large buffer by the property lines like we did when we built Young’s Hill. Still, we can’t infringe on the power line easement to the south of the building and the topography limits how far up the hill we can build fences so we are limited to these two large enclosures at this time.

But because we may end up with three separate groups in the end, we do plan to build a third outdoor area just west of the new addition, opposite the building from the fenced enclosures. This one, however, will be a more traditional closed-top design. Why? As I mentioned, space is certainly a factor, but we also find that some chimps, even after several years, are more comfortable in closed-top enclosures and make more use of them. Ultimately it’s about choices and flexibility. We want Honey B and Mave to join Willy B outside and we want to give them all the time in the world to make that decision for themselves. But it never hurts to have other options. Other chimps will benefit from the option as well, as groups can be rotated throughout the facility to experience different enclosures.

The sudden closure of the Wildlife Waystation has focused our efforts as well as our resolve to expand. Like other sanctuaries, we will always struggle to find the right balance between providing what is best for our residents and responding promptly to crises like this. At times it feels like we are too cautious, but we know that our primary responsibility is to those already in our care. With the future of the remaining Waystation chimps uncertain, we are working as hard as we can to complete this expansion project so that we can welcome more chimpanzees to Willy B’s kingdom.

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ConstructionCourtyardWilly BYoung's Hill

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Judy Shammas says

    June 19, 2020 at 7:39 pm

    Thank You for your awesome update and explanation of the future of CSW. Living in New England it has been a challenge to be familiar with all the buildings, rooms, land, and topography. Your photos and diagrams are so helpful. And thank you for everyones daily Blogs which I look for every evening. They part of my “Tell me something good” daily delight.

  2. Kathleen says

    June 19, 2020 at 7:57 pm

    First, Willy B in that tub killed me. Sailing in his sea of grass. Seeing Willy B sleeping outside, and knowing this is a first in the history of the sanctuary, made me feel so happy and proud for Willy. After feeling so uncomfortable interacting with everything outside, there he is, so comfortable outside he is sleeping, all by himself no less. The photos brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful life Willy B has, he gets to choose and he chooses to keep exploring and growing.

    The new plans are more expansive than I imagined, fantastic. I look forward to seeing Phase 2 take shape. Thank you J.B. for sharing the expansion plans for the kingdom. Long live the king and queen, and boss, and den mother, and doctor, and skater girl, and……well, you get it.

  3. CeeCee says

    June 19, 2020 at 8:50 pm

    Wow, thanks for the update J.B.
    So much Time, money, and hard work ahead, But it will be worth it, If you can make more beings as happy as you have made Willy B. 🙂

  4. Deanna says

    June 19, 2020 at 9:15 pm

    I am a flood of emotion right now. I volunteered and worked at the Wildlife Waystation for roughly 18 years. It’s closing has been hard to say the least and I miss the animals so much it hurts. Even though I’m in a profession as a Zoo RVT and surrounded by animals I still miss my sanctuary friends. All that said I believe in your sanctuary and am beyond grateful that the “Californians” found a great home with you and are now truly living in the lap of luxury. My last day at WWS was November 1 2019 so I have no idea which group will be lucky enough to also find a home with you but I am so very excited for whichever group of chimps it is. I’m sorry I’ve rambled. I do love the photos Willy in the tub and sleeping outside!!! Who would’ve thought he would get so comfortable put in the open so fast!! Hooray!! Xoxo to you all, chimps and caregivers alike!

    • Linda C says

      June 20, 2020 at 11:24 am

      so wonderful to hear from you, Deanna! I know you will continue to touch animals’ lives, the way the Californiams have touched yours.
      It is absolutely astounding that he is comfortable enough to sleep outside, even while continuing to be terrified of the grass! We’ll never know what goes on in their minds….

  5. Randy J Peterson says

    June 19, 2020 at 9:30 pm

    I enjoy reading about the chimps and seeing their pictures. I look forward to it everyday and am so thankful that their futures are so much brighter than before they made it to the Sanctuary. Each and every chimp is a wonder to behold.

  6. Sandie Allaway says

    June 19, 2020 at 11:13 pm

    Wow J.B! Thanks so much for this in depth information. These chimps struck gold when they found you. Such a labor of love and hard work getting this accomplished. We’re all your cheerleaders and supporters!

  7. Francoise says

    June 20, 2020 at 12:22 am

    You can never be too cautious when it comes to life, chimpanzee, human or any creatures we take responsibility for. You have not frozen out of caution or fear, you have done everything possible to do it right.

  8. Elaine Reininger says

    June 20, 2020 at 2:33 am

    So much thought put into everything — it truly amazes me. Thinking ahead for any and everything that might or could happen. The sketches of future building plans and that “what if” such- and-such a thing happens, boggles my mind. I hope it all materializes faster than you anticipate so more chimps can be saved. Loved the photos of willy in the tub and fast asleep on the deck.

  9. Nancy k says

    June 20, 2020 at 6:29 am

    Great informative post. Thanks for explaining future plans for the “Californians”. I was wondering if the idea of using one of the 7, possibly, Jodi, to introduce the outside to the new 3? In other words, have Jodi hold their hand(s) and show them there are no outside enemies waiting for them! I guess with or without the help from the girls the Cali-3 will eventually be running around Young Hill in their own time! That will be a wonderful sight! Cant wait!!!

    • Linda C says

      June 20, 2020 at 11:27 am

      that was exactly my thought, until the failed integration….but it would be a way to get Jody that playdate with the Big Man, lol!

      • Nancy K says

        June 23, 2020 at 2:13 pm

        Oh, Linda, your comment on Jodi’s romance with the Big Man was too funny, but its an idea that kinda’ makes sense since she seemed to have easily befriended the 3 newbies from the get-go! Have some play dates and see what happens!

  10. Debi says

    June 20, 2020 at 9:52 am

    ”

    Row row row your boat

    Gently down the stream

    Merrily merrily merrily merrily

    Life is but a dream”…

    Willy B may not be in a tugboat, but seeing the pic of him in his “tub-boat,” has really made my day…This gentle, big ole guy, (with that mop of wild hair on his head), continues to literally fascinate me…Seeing how he’s so courageously & successfully rising above the trials & tribulations of his journey these past couple weeks, brings tears to my eyes

  11. Judy says

    June 20, 2020 at 11:04 am

    Wow… What a guy that Willy B. is… the comfort zone to nap outside .. truly amazing! Thanks for the information on the plans ahead J.B. Very exciting. You are all so special and I am looking forward to all the new happenings… meanwhile… Willy B. is making the current happenings very inspiring! Onward to new horizons…

  12. Meg says

    July 6, 2020 at 11:24 am

    I am so excited!!! Are there chimps at Waystation that were friends with the current “California” chimps that might get along with them when transferred to the sanctuary?

    • J.B. says

      July 6, 2020 at 12:56 pm

      We don’t know of any past relationships but we do hope to introduce the three to the incoming chimps if possible.

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