This morning, volunteers Rose, Ray, and Fred set out an early lunch forage for the chimps. Negra spent much of her time on the Escher climbing structure – I don’t know if she has a special fondness for this structure or if she just thinks we put more food up there. Either way, it’s great to see Negra climbing so high and enjoying the sun.
Afterwards she showed that in spring you don’t always have to rely on humans for your food. There’s plenty of wild lettuce out here, thank you very much.
Jamie was deep in dreamland after the forage (no doubt dreaming about boots and books and books filled with boots) when she was awoken by some activity out back.
These people look like they need to be supervised.
The welders had arrived with some of the caging that is being installed next week.
While we are still several weeks away from having the new chimp areas up and running, we have already begun putting the human areas of Phase 1 to use. Here’s a shot of the foyer which houses the computer workstation and break areas. I can’t tell you how exciting it is to have so much space after working for over a decade out of a one-room kitchen/laundry/enrichment/office workspace.
More important than the new foyer is the new clinic, which has twice the square footage of our mobile unit and includes much more storage space.
Once everything is done, we’ll put together a video tour of the whole facility. And then it’s on to Phases 2 and 3!
I couldn’t agree more, J.B., it’s great to see Neggie going so high! And she’s all alone, too! (lol, “or if she just thinks we put more food up there”)
Whoops! I didn’t see the Tiny One was right behind her!
It does seem as if Negra enjoys The Esher (food or no food). I believe it is the one structure I see her on the most, and high up at that. How delightful seeing out and about today. (I am smiling from ear to ear!) And how unfortunate those people arrived forcing Boss Jamie to take her position and supervise the caging placement. (Hope someone was wearing super cool boots to make it all worthwhile!)
Phase 1 : Whoot whoot! Look at those new, sleek, spacious rooms. What amazing progress you have made since September when everything was still in the framing stages inside. I am very impressed with the progress, organization, construction, and supervision (thank you Jamie) of Phase 1. What a great accomplishment! So excited for all of you.
I wonder if Neggie goes higher up when she’s farther from the door or raceway out of instinct for safety….Staff and volunteers could confirm this, but it seems like I always see her within a few meters of the door or on this structure (though one staff member said she sometimes uses “her” cabin)….I wonder if, just being a little slower/heavier/older, she tries to keep herself always a short distance from somewhere safe.
LOLOL…Such an endearing photo of the slumbering “Ship’s Captain”, & it almost looks like Foxie was wandering around Young’s Hill in hope of finding someone to play “dolls” with her…HaHaHa
Seriously, I can’t thank you enough for this daily Blog…I really look forward to it every single day, as somehow they seem to “feed” the very soul of this Champion of Animal Welfare…with a lifelong special p a s s i o n for all our Great Apes…Each & every photo & accompanying “story” bring me such a satisfying sense of joy…
Hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend!!!
Debi
WOW, what a difference 11 years can make. I am excited for all of you. Everything is looking great.
Absolutely incredible to see the new human and chimp spaces being done. Thank you for everything you do!