It’s been a crazy year, but it’s been very exciting for us to witness the steady progress on the new enclosures.
We’ve shared a few updates on the blog over the past few months (1, 2, 3) so that you all can get glimpses of the expanded Chimp House and see how the chimpanzees are coping with all of the commotion.
Today’s post includes a short video of the ongoing construction (and some clips of the three patient chimpanzees who have been taking it all in, day by day).
Lynn Gold says
Thx Anthony for the update.Glad the trio are supervising the construction.When i saw the construction guys building the wall i thought each brick equals the future freedom of the new chimp residents.i am so excited for them & to meet them.
Anthony says
That’s a heartwarming perspective, Lynn! It’s certainly mind-boggling how many nuts, bolts, blocks, gallons of paint and hours of labor are required to get each group of chimps a sanctuary home… and that doesn’t even touch on raising the funds needed to purchase all of the materials and pay for the labor. For every brick, you should also think of the generous and compassionate supporters who make it all possible!
Judy says
Thanks Anthony! Fun video.. very exciting progress. The shot of Willy B with his eyes clearly taking in and I’m guessing analyzing the construction progress is SO cool. Chase game looks fun.. and good exercise. Grand huge hugs to you all!
Anthony says
I loved the look on Willy B’s face, too! Thanks for the virtual hugs, Judy!
Linda C says
Hi Anthony,
Were you able to get everything covered before the snow?
Snow still far away here…
Anthony says
Hey Linda! We received some falling snowflakes but haven’t had any snow accumulate. Places further up in the mountains, even by a hundred feet of elevation or so, received a dusting last week. The crew currently working to get the roof on the new areas and it should be covered very soon!
Kathleen says
What is going through their heads as the chimps see their surroundings being altered and what do they think about all the new people coming and going? We’ll never know but I would love to know what they are thinking. And I am equally curious about the conversations of the contractors when friends or future clients ask what they’ve been working on. What fun to describe the peering eyes of the chimp building inspectors. Not your typical job by any stretch of the imagination!
Thanks for the video, especially the part where Honey B runs you wild. She has the easy inside track with a flat surface, you are running through window frames on a construction site! You know she knows you have the more challenging course. She is too funny (make that you both are too funny) and you are so fortunate to have her as a friend.
Anthony says
Hey Kathleen! Unfortunately, I can’t ask the chimps to explain what they’re thinking. The construction team seems to be amused by the attention that the chimps give them, and they also show respect for the sanctuary and its residents. Sometimes, they’ll ask the caregivers to explain behaviors that they observe through the windows. Overall, they seem really excited to be helping us out!
I call this style of play “Missy chase” because she is the best at it. They love to find a place where they can take a few steps but the caregiver has to run all the way around. Honey B is also quite good at it…
Every day, I think about Honey B and the other individuals and how awesome it is to be friends with them!
Kathleen says
Had to watch again with my morning cup of coffee. Bright eyed Willy B, geez, he is so handsome. And I enjoyed your game of chase all the more this morning. I had missed that when you kicked off the chase you gave a clap (love!), oh so very chimpanzee of you! Just goes to show how invested you are and that it’s just as much fun for you as it is for Honey B.
“We think they’ll love the new playrooms and greenhouses!”
To that I reply, as long as all of you are there caring for them, they’ll love anything you do for them.
Anthony says
Thanks, Kathleen!
Haha, my gestural and vocal repertoire has become progressively more chimpy over the last few years. I also dabble in capuchin and spider monkey body language, and I can do a very provocative jaguar chuff.
Generally, chimps tend to be understated in their casual interactions, so a quiet “hoo”, gentle pant, quick touch or even just reassuring eye contact can be sufficient (i.e. “less is more”) but there are times when they want you to play with uninhibited exuberance. When this happens, you’ve really got to “leave it all on the field” for them.
Don says
I REALLY enjoyed this blog! So exciting what the future holds.
I am so happy that the supervisors are doing such a great job!
Anthony says
Thanks, Don! We’re excited too!