This morning, the staff were greeted by cloudy skies, relatively cool temperatures, and even a tantalizing sprinkle of rain.
The overcast weather created a welcome break from the blistering sun and oppressive heat of the past few days. With the worst of the Northwest’s heat wave now seemingly behind us, the sanctuary’s chimpanzee residents have resumed their routine of patrolling the outdoor enclosures, lounging in the greenhouses, and playfully chasing their caregivers between areas. We humans also appreciated the respite as opportunity to properly ventilate the Chimp House and get some chores done outside.
We’re well aware that the nice weather may only be an intermission between difficult times. With the air staying hot and dry and the wind picking up again, the risk of wildfires has dramatically increased in the region. E2xperts are warning of extreme fire danger and have implemented a burn ban for much of eastern and central Washington (including the county where we are located).
Still, we’re quite prepared for fire season and continue to make the property more fire-wise each year. Earlier this summer, we gave the rescued Jersey cattle access to the upper pasture where they can trim down the vegetation that would otherwise be potential fuel. Our ongoing efforts to renovate the outdoor habitats (and add irrigation to both the existing and new areas) will also improve our defensible space around the Chimp House!
the clouds and lower temps are certainly appreciated.
Agreed! :sunglasses:
Thankful for the respite for all of you from the heat and pray for you all to stay safe, cool and well. Thanks for all you do and how you care for
the chimps and bovines!
Thanks, Rosalie!
Beautiful blog. many thanks. thank you J.B. for the hard labor you put in every day to get the projects completed. cheers.
I’ll tell JB you appreciate his work on the construction projects!
Glad to hear it’s a tad cooler, Anthony. Here, too, at least, on the coast
Stay cool, Linda! My RI family has been escaping to the pool every weekend.
haven’t hit the AC yet! south wind breezing through the windows and ceiling fans
Dear Negra sleeping with her doll. No matter the weather, it’s comforting to know Negra can be found peacefully snoozing in her favorite spot. Great photos, thank you Anthony.
Haha! She is unshakeable! Admittedly, that was taken first thing in the morning. Even Negra sheds some blankets when the temperatures pass 90F. 🙂
If needed, what would an evaluation look like? I pray it never does?:monkey_face:
Good question, Deb! We would have to piece together caging and transportation for all sixteen chimps using the available resources (likely a collaborative effort with local authorities). Given the logistics associated with transporting and housing chimps and the defensibility of the Chimp House, shelter-in-place is definitely the preferred option in every scenario we can currently imagine.
If needed, what would an evacuation look like? I pray it never is required ?:monkey_face: