YOUNG'S HILL
FAQs
When will construction be complete?
Our hope is to have the hill ready for the chimpanzees by the end of August 2011.
How can I help?
You can be a permanent part of Young's Hill by adopting a fence post! Give $50 towards our 3rd Anniversary Fundraising Drive and a plaque will be displayed on one of the fence posts with your custom message. It’s a great gift idea for a loved one and a wonderful way to be a part of this incredible change for the Cle Elum Seven chimpanzees.
We are also seeking volunteers to help with manual labor. Contact J.B. Mulcahy, Director of Operations to inquire about volunteering.
How will the chimpanzees be contained on the hill?
Young’s Hill will be enclosed by electric fencing. To make the enclosure as safe and secure as possible, we will be installing two separate fences. The primary fence will be 15 feet tall, with the top four feet cantilevered inward. The secondary fence will surround the primary fence at a distance of ten feet. The fences will be completely independent, with separate energizers and backup batteries.
Is electric fence safe?
Yes. Electric fencing is used as secondary containment in many zoos and sanctuaries and as primary containment in all chimpanzee sanctuaries in Africa. The fence is 9,000 volts but the current is delivered in extremely brief pulses. It will deliver a strong shock, but is not dangerous to the chimps’ health.
In terms of effective containment, we are being extra cautious with our design by including the redundant second fence and the cantilevered top on the primary fence. Although not required, we hold a USDA license and our plans were reviewed by our regional office.
How will you teach the chimpanzees that the fence is electric?
We have consulted with directors of other sanctuaries that utilize electric fence and have decided to install a short, temporary section of electrified fence near the current outdoor enclosure. At some point we will make it possible for the chimps to reach out and touch this electric fence. This way they learn about the fence but are able to quickly retreat to the safety of their home. We don’t want the their first touch of the electric fence to be strongly associated with their first day on the hill. Chimpanzees learn from observing others, so it’s likely that not everyone will need to experience the shock themselves to learn about the fence.
What is the total cost for the habitat?
Including climbing structures, landscaping, added staff time and the new equipment required, the habitat total cost is approximately $100,000.
Where did the sanctuary get the money to pay for the habitat?
Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, a 501(c)3 charity, relies on donations from individuals and private foundations. We received a very generous donation from supporters Karen and Don Young, then a challenge gift from Euan and Bethany Menzies, which was matched at our 2010 Out of the Box auction by numerous attendees, including a $5,000 donation from Kathy Cochran. The National Anti-Vivisection Society’s Sanctuary Fund also contributed to the project.
How could Young’s Hill help the future of chimpanzee rescue?
It is expensive to care for chimpanzees and particularly expensive to build enclosures that are strong enough and large enough to provide a secure and enriching habitat. Funding is often the limiting factor for sanctuaries that otherwise would be able to rescue more chimpanzees. There are always more chimpanzees in need of rescue than there is available housing. When the Great Ape Protection and Cost Savings Act passes there will be a large and immediate need for more sanctuary space. Electric fencing is significantly less expensive than any other secure containment for chimpanzees. The cost to build non-electric fence habitats for chimpanzees currently ranges between $50,000 and $100,000 per chimpanzee. Our hope is that Young’s Hill will serve as a prototype design for future outdoor habitats for rescued chimpanzees. Note: not all states currently allow for the use of electric fencing as primary containment for chimpanzees.
Will the sanctuary be rescuing more chimpanzees once Young's Hill is complete?
Rescuing more chimpanzees is in the future of Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, but not our immediate future. As a fairly young organization our current strategic goals, developed by our Board of Directors and Management Team focus on ensuring the quality care of the Cle Elum Seven chimpanzees in the short and long term.
More questions? Contact us: info@ChimpsNW.org