Still fighting (and playing!)

I posted the below on our Facebook page about an hour ago. Our internet connection is off and on, and it seems easier to post there for some reason, so be sure to check our page and share our status updates that way: www.Facebook.com/ChimpSanctuary.

In that hour, we’ve fought off some more hot spots on and around our property and prepared for the next round. The winds were very minimal overnight and this morning, but have picked up again, making it easier for smoldering ground to turn into active flames. It’s all under control and we remain vigilant.

Here’s the update:

First and foremost, the chimpanzees are doing well. Perhaps slightly shell-shocked as evidenced by their staring at the grounds around the chimp house, but otherwise playful and very pleased with getting bottles of water and Gatorade. We are dealing with two major issues today:

1) the well water contamination, which we’re still working to figure out. In the meantime we are purchasing potable wat
er for the chimps and humans to drink and using non-potable water to spot clean inside the chimp house. Volunteers are taking laundry offsite to wash.

2) hot spots on the property by the driveway caused by tree roots that are still slowly burning. We are learning a lot about fire containment thanks to the help of Tim Perciful, who has provided advice and loaned us some tools. Our gator is now the official fire hot spot response vehicle!

We thank everyone who has helped by donating time and resources. If you want help, really the best way is to make financial donations (just click the donate button above or use this link: http://chimpsdonate.kintera.org/). We’ll continue to keep you updated!