The chimps in Jamie’s group have been supervising the expansion and renovation of their outdoor enclosure, Young’s Hill.
It’s been a few months since J.B. gave this detailed progress report on the project, and it’s been several weeks since Chad posted this update that the chimps would be temporarily without access to The Hill. J.B., volunteers, and the team from Sage Mechanical have been working around the clock since then to quickly make the necessary additions and improvements (including moving the lookout tower to a new home). Staff have tagged in this week to help put up the last few sections of fencing and clean up the area in preparation for chimpanzees.
The chimps remain interested in all the work, but they seem to be less anxious and more curious now that Young’s Hill appears ready. We still need to conduct a comprehensive safety and security check, but it won’t be long before we let them go out and explore their new backyard.
Jamie viewing the new enclosure:
A new path leading to the Young’s Hill perimeter:
Ponderosa pines next to the new fences:
The new access gates:
Annie watching Chad and J.B. working:
The shady new location of Carlene’s Tower:
New vegetation planted in an irrigated section of Young’s Hill:
The driveway up to the new Young’s Hill gate:
The view from the new perimeter:
Foxie watching curiously:
You may have noticed the construction materials scattered around outside the enclosure. There is still much work to be done on the other side of the hill, and we’re not really “cleaning up” as much as we are migrating to the other side. From their south-facing greenhouse enclosures, the chimps in Cy’s group monitored the construction of the sanctuary’s second open-top enclosure, lovingly named The Bray.
The Sage Mechanical crew shifted their focus to The Bray as soon as they finished their work on Young’s Hill, so they were working right in front of the chimpanzees today. The chimps acted like spectators, bringing their breakfast chow up to the platforms in order to get the best view. Some of them even asked their caregivers to serve them their meals out there instead of in the interior hallway.
Katelyn serving Terry outside:
The unfinished Bray containing a few familiar structures:
Jose from Sage Mechanical working within view of the chimps:
J.B. working with Chad to install the final section of snake exclusion fence:
Gary’s arsenal of power tools:
The crew transporting fence posts with the telehandler:
Gordo watching Gary’s telehandler go by:
Ryan’s Lookout, a new installation that will be a keystone structure in The Bray:
Keep a close eye on the blog this week for further updates!
Cynthia Cavalle says
Thanks so much for the detailed report and the exciting information! Great work everyone and I know the chimps will be so happy!!!
CeeCee says
Wow, this is so exciting, everything looks great !
You are all amazing, this is so much work. I know it’s going to be worth it.
Thank you so much for all you do for them.:revolving_hearts:
magda says
It’s all so beautiful. Especially the way that so many people have helped it all happen!
CarolR says
It’s soooooo exciting! Best photo was of the guys installing the snake proof fence…hope that any ‘visitors’ are on the outside of it by now’ They all look as if they can’t wait to explore….how wonderful.
Marya says
WOW! and OMG! is all I can say! Thanks so much for sharing these fabulous photos of the process, Anthony! So much work is involved and such creativity and forethought in putting the structures just-so and making these new adventures so real. It’s so thrilling to think of the new group having this outdoor space for themselves and to watch as they have so many new experiences. And for Neggie’s group to have new explorations ahead, too. Talk about enrichment!!! (And I’m happy for the “snake exclusion fencing” — I’m sure Burrito will thank you, too!)
CarolR says
P. S. Will the new ones have to learn about electric fencing and will JB be giving them a demonstration again???
marianne says
I would LOVE to thàt video…:grin:
Anthony says
Hey, Carol! We will be giving the chimps a “trial” fence beforehand so that any curious individuals can experience a light shock. The goal is to ensure they aren’t naive about electric fencing and can focus instead on the opportunity to go outside and explore.
Judy says
I have the same question about whether the 6 and the 3 will get a demo of the electric fencing. As I recall the 3 were not too comfortable with the outside space so maybe the 6 will help them get more comfortable with it. Its sosososo exciting for all of us, you and the chimpanzee people!
Anthony says
That’s correct, Judy! We plan to set up a “trial” fence so the chimps can experience a light shock before going outside.
Kathleen says
I think I might be feeling similar to the chimps. Excited! Curious. A wee bit anxious. And hopeful. This really looks amazing!
Excellent update, thanks Anthony! Thank you everyone for working so hard to make this happen! (Sorry snakes, looks like you will not be receiving an invitation to the Opening Day celebration.)
Emma Davies says
I hope we get lots of videos if them all going out into the areas for the first time! so excting. great job guys! :smiley:
Linda C says
I am sure that is a day that everyone will be going to work just to see that! I know that they will include us
Susan Kathleen Feeley says
What gorgeous photos of the sanctuary expansion.You have poured blood, sweat and tears into creating a haven for these wonderful chimpanzees and all the other amazing animals in your care.I wish I could be there with you all when this is completed and the chimpanzees get to explore the new areas, In the mean time I’ll be happy to follow you on the blog. THANKYOU! Warm regards, Susan Feeley, Sydney, Australia
Keith Dawson says
The enclosures look great! I am sure you have considered this but is there not a concern that the large pine trees (3rd photo) next to the fence might blow down and damage the fence?
I am also very excited to see Cy’s group go out for the first time.
Well done for all the work the CSNW + Sage Mechanical team has done.
Anthony says
Thanks, Keith! Yes, we’ve (hopefully) accounted for that possibility but removing several risky trees, leaving only healthy ones. To be safe, caregivers check the perimeter fencing and voltage meters each morning to make sure no damage was done overnight. We also have the option to keep the Hill closed off if winds are dangerously high or trees (and wires) are weighed down with ice.
marianne says
Very exciting to see it all come together and to know all the hard work has gone into it!
Once it is all finished you all should be so proud of the result! Well done and thank you very much to all the dedicated people who made it happen.
Now, Jamie must do a lot of perimeterwalking to get a new worn path similar to the old one….
And lets hope for a fresh path in the Bray, which means the Lucky9 wil be enjoying the outdoors aswell.
Linda C says
It will be interesting to see if the chimps enjoy the tower in the shade as they have in the past. Hopefully, they can still get a view of all that surrounds them.
Anthony, do you think that having vegetation taller than them in between them and and the chimp house is going going to affect their perimeter walks? I don’t know why, but I guess I get this feeling that maybe they feel safer knowing where the house is. I’m not sure if I see Missy dashing from the top of the hill down to the house anymore. Even though climbing vegetation is good for them, I can see the 1st few walks being done in a tight group as everybody sticks together to explore the new spots.
Anthony says
Good question, LC. I haven’t seen them get lost yet! I have a feeling that they are quite good at using landmarks to find their way. Even with the added vegetation and expanded fenceline, they will always be within view of the perimeter fence and can usually glance downhill and see the building. After the first couple minutes, they all seemed comfortable exploring on their own and Missy resumed her usual practice of darting around. 🙂
Rachel says
just FABULOUS!