When I set out on my perimeter walk this morning, the sanctuary was blanketed in a dense fog.
Climbing the 80 or so feet in elevation to the top of Young’s Hill was all it took to escape into the first rays of morning sunlight.
This morning’s walk was particularly enjoyable because I got to imagine myself walking through the expanded outdoor habitats, which are just now beginning to take shape. The first of the massive steel corner posts were set this week by our friends at Sage Mechanical.
When we started building Young’s Hill back in 2010, we were working under a number of constraints, the most significant of which being that we didn’t own any of the vacant land beyond the pasture above the chimp house. In order to avoid any problems with future neighbors, we kept the fence line far away from the property boundaries. Since then, however, we’ve bought up all of the adjoining land and that has allowed us to push the fence line out as far as topography and underground utility easements will permit.
While most of the area we’re expanding into is also pasture, we were able to cut a little slice into the woods so that the chimps can enjoy the shade of a few tall pines, in addition to the less mature trees that we will be planting.
Those trees that had to be cleared for the fence line will become part of the numerous climbing structures we plan to build next spring.
Plans are also moving ahead for the large, fully-enclosed outdoor area on the west side of the building, which should get underway as soon as weather allows early next year. Meanwhile, the chimps continue to enjoy the greenhouses. Honey B actually let me close off the mezzanine for cleaning so that she could spend time out there (after only a short protest).
Mave was keen on getting Willy B to groom with her. Her invitation? Looking his way and shaking a large bamboo plant vigorously.
He finally obliged.
Rayne was keeping an eye on things from across the hall.
When you hear someone blowing raspberries in her group, it’s usually Terry. But this morning it was Cy, telling me to put the stupid camera down and play chase.
Throughout the morning, we have to shift the chimps around their various enclosures so that we can clean, and each time we do so we have to perform a series of safety checks that involves finding each of the chimpanzees. This morning, Cy was making that difficult. When this happens, we check the security cameras. He was just above us and out of view, engaged in his favorite activity – reading magazines.
Each time the chimps shifted to a new area, Cy would bring his reading material and find a new place to camp out.
By mid-morning, the fog had lifted completely and Jamie and Burrito set out to survey the upcoming changes to their sanctuary home.
I keep trying to tell Jamie that those trees will be hers. So far, she seems far more interested in the equipment. Which reminds of the time she wanted me to chase her with a chainsaw. Not safe, Jamie. Not safe.
Mark D. Blitzer says
Nice update, JB, on some future construction.
Marya says
Ah, JB, thank you for this delightful and informative update w/ pics galore! It’s so exciting to think of more expanded space! What will happen if the chimps want to climb those very tall trees? A whole new perspective on the world, for sure. I wonder if Cy and Jamie need to work on writing a 3-act play together given their love of reading materials. It could be called “What we’re REALLY thinking.” And Jamie could illustrate it given her drawing abilities. I can just see her interested in the equipment given her fondness for and acumen with tools of all sorts. I recall that old pic of her sitting with that child’s plastic tool setup trying to unscrew a part of it. Talk about “Rosie the Riveter.” We’re all so blessed that the chimps have such good care and love surrounding them from all the folks involved in their lives, board, staff, volunteers and us out here in blogland.
Linda C says
I still think of that story and laugh, JB!
I’ve often wondered what someone on a random hike would think if they came over the top of the hill and heard a chorus of pant hoots!
So thrilled that they’ll have trees! Shall we start a pool to guess who climbs to the top first!? My money is on Annie!
Laurie Mowat says
I think you need to find space for a small library!
Linda C says
Jamie has a book and boot cupboard. Now Cy needs a book crate
Paulette says
what a beautiful site for a sanctuary. Can I live there? Great photos of land and chimps alike. Very enjoyable blog today JB. Thank you!
Linda C says
At this point, Paulette, you should have a guest room with your name on it!
Nancy D says
Great blog and pictures JB. It is so interesting to get updates on the new construction structures and can’t wait to see pictures.
I love that Cy takes his magazines with him as he is booted out and into another area. Also, the thought of Jamie being chased with the chainsaw really cracks me up.
I hope everyone there enjoyed their Thanksgiving dinners…humans, chimps, and bovine.
tom austin says
Have any of the “new crew” chimps ever had access to an open habitat that is coming their way…?
If not, they are very near to a major change in their perspectives on life……………..
DIANE M. Maxine KASTEL says
Thank you for your, usual, clear, and, thorough, update of the property expansion, and, the, scenic, picture looking up at the pine trees.
I loved, loved, loved, the, close-up, photos of Honey B! Seeing Cy reading his magazines is, always, a joy.
Katie Hoak says
Could you make a video of the transition process that happens when you need to clean an area? How do the chimps know they need to transfer? a noise, a symbol, you call their name….etc
Linda C says
check out videos on YT “helping out”, or “rescued chimpanzee refuses to get out of bed”, or something to that effect
Kathleen says
News of the expansion is so very exciting, especially knowing there will be tall pines for the seven to explore. And to have all that land to use to your advantage this time around. I have a feeling you are really enjoying the planning of this J.B.
Wonderful photos of Honey B and her beautiful pink tinted eye lids. Cy and his obsession with his magazines is the gift that keeps on giving. He is priceless! Jamie and Burrito look so small within their patrol zone — I love it. Just trying to imagine how tiny they’ll look within the new space, the new and improved Young’s Hill. I just can’t wait for next summer!
Kim Harris says
Marya, you eloquently said everything I was thinking after reading tonight’s post. And I absolutely love your idea of Cy and Jamie collaborating on a book! ? :book: ?
Sharing the progress on the new construction is wonderful. I’m so excited for the chimps to have so many new places to explore and experiences to be had, all while surrounded by such beauty. All of today’s pics are just spectacular! I wanted to reach out and caress Honey B’s face in that close up. What a lovely pic of Rayne! And Cy, that dapper chap always makes my heart give an extra thump! If I were a Miss Chimp… :heartbeat::heartpulse::heartbeat:
Jamie, chainsaw – cracks me up every time I see that pic. :rofl:
Thanks, JB, for yet another fantastic post; a perfect end to my day.
Stevie Gillis says
Cy has definiely stolen this girls heart. Have you tried giving him “Hi lights” kids magazines, or is he doing just fine with the ones you provide him with?
Linda C says
In 0ne of the videos, he has something similar to a highlights, definitely a kids’ magazine