I’m happy to report that our team of contractors have picked up where things left off last fall with regard to construction on the Bray. We don’t have a firm completion date yet but it should be fairly soon! While they complete their fence work, we’re taking the opportunity to build upon Ryan’s Lookout, the structure that will allow Cy’s group to supervise all the comings and goings at the sanctuary.
So far we’ve added three crow’s nests with fire hose vines strung between them and the main tower. Our poor bamboo took a hit during the arctic blast last Christmas. The existing culms may not grow new leaves this year but we’ll have to wait and see. The good thing is that it should be ready to send up new shoots in June.
The weather has been typically spring-like lately, meaning it is winter one day and summer the next. Last Thursday it snowed on us while working outside in the afternoon; by the end of the week it should hit 80 degrees. This means that some days the greenhouse panels are necessary, while on other days we have to run the fan to cool things off. The last few days have been perfect and the chimps are happy to bask in the warmth from their perch on the tree structures.
As always, Cy has been busy keeping up with the latest celebrity news when not managing his sometimes unruly family.
This photo didn’t turn out very well, but I thought I’d share anyway…I was just barely able to catch Lucky giving her friend Dora a hug to celebrate the arrival of the lunch cart.
On a final note, the sanctuary recently purchased a new (to us) farm vehicle. Surprisingly, Jamie is a bit intimated by it and still prefers to race the Gator. But Benny, who is licensed and required by law (so he says) to inspect all farm machinery, has given it his full approval. Benny lives at the sanctuary with me and Diana and our two other rescue dogs, and because of old injuries he can’t walk as fast or as far as his pack mates. Now he can leave them in the dust. He said the staff can use it too.
Marya says
Woohoo! Love these changes and updates on the goings’on! Thank you, JB, for introducing us to Benny. He looks like he has an old soul and I’m very happy he has a good family and lots of adventures in store. The new farm vehicle needs a name. I see it’s a Kubota Sidekick, so maybe something will stick. Benny and his “Sidekick” maybe. I’m all excited to see if the chimps venture forth onto the Bray or who darts out first and climbs what. Good things in store for all, including Jamie racing the Gator to her heart’s content.
Mark B. says
Good for Benny!
Linda C says
Bossman Benny, in charge of yet another vehicle!
Love seeing everyone sharing the platform, all asleep except for Cy with his magazines, Lucky? Rayne?, and Beezus wide awake–that tracks.
I’m as excited as everyone, JB, to see if Mr Willy B heads straight out again without coaxing. i hope he does, because I feel like it will make the others follow right behind him! :fingers_crossed:
Marie says
Ryans LookOut is a rather attractive structure…..I like the Crow’s Nest ……..Maybe we can build one or two over on the other side….. I can’t wait…. we have to get Cy away from all those magazine’s….. there’s too many other things to view
Nancy Duryea says
First of all, a big thank you to Monica!! Secondly, those farm vehicles look like they would be so much fun to drive. The Bray looks to be coming along nicely, I’m anxious to see the completed project and see how Cy’s group reacts to it. Thanks to all of you for your hard work.
Judy says
Benny, Benny, Benny jets around…… with a tune in my heartI love that Benny photo… and what a nice additional piece of equipment that you can “check out” from Benny when you need it.:grinning:.. I gather the fee is that he gets to ride along. Love the rest of the photos too… I hope someday Cy gets an in-person visit from a celebrity that he reads about. I wonder if he would recognize them… I believe he would. Welcome to spring.. and. probably directly into hot summer at least over here in Spokane. Thanks J.B.!
tomaustin says
When both groups take the hill at the same time, I anticipate a lot of jawing back and forth….bragging rights go to the loudest mouth on the mountain……:grinning:
Kathleen says
Hi J.B., I love the design of the Bray structures! I think the gang will feel so welcomed and a little more comfortable in their new outdoor habitat because you designed it to look very similar to their inside tree climbing structures. Very cool! Great progress too!
Cy is the king of pop culture. I know I could learn a thing or two from him. And his sister Lucky hugging on little Dora makes a sweet photo. I’d like to see a photo of Jamie checking out your new Kubota vehicle. I want to see proof that she is really intimidated by it. It looks like a bigger cooler looking Gator. Maybe Jamie isn’t really intimidated by it, perhaps she is just jealous that Benny gets to ride in it! (Please give supervisor Benny a nice scratch on his belly from me.)
Kim Harris says
Good timing, JB. I was just thinking yesterday of asking if construction had started yet. Wow, Ryan’s Lookout looks amazing! All the crow’s nests and so many hoses to explore, just awesome! I’m so excited for Cy’s troop to get to explore all of the new activities.
Benny fits right into the CSNW family; he’s so handsome! “There’s always room for one more…”
Rosalie Allen says
Thanks for
the update on the Bray-looking forward to seeing EVERYONE outside enjoying climbing, running, resting or taking in the scenery! Appreciate all the work everyone does each day!