We just sent out an e-news announcement with a link to the video below.
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check out the video below to learn about our new dream!
(view in full screen mode for full effect – click on the brackets below the video image)
Share this video! Just direct people to this blog post or this link: http://chimpsanctuarynw.org/events/auction2010/video.php
Thanks to Karen and Don Young, LUSH Cosmetics, Anna Kircher and the blog readers, and everyone who donated during our 2nd Anniversary fundraising drive, we’ve been able to replace seven caged windows in the play room with clear, chimp-proof glass. In addition to flooding the playroom with light, there are some other benefits to these new windows:
Great news! Today we installed the last of the cageless playroom windows.
Here is a before shot of the garden side of the playroom:
And here is the after shot, with four caged windows replaced with chimp-proof glass:
Here is a before shot of the wall facing the chimpanzees’ outdoor area (these are the windows you’ll see in the video below, from the other side):
And here is the after shot, with three upstairs and one downstairs window replaced with chimp-proof glass:
This video was taken yesterday when the chimps were first given access to the outdoor area after the installation of the two upper left picture windows. The upper right window wasn’t quite finished, but it was the first time the chimps could sit in that windowsill because it was previously covered by a large polycarbonate panel on the outdoor area side. Everyone was visibly excited about the new additions and spent the remainder of the afternoon climbing in and out (and in and out) of the new windowsills.
To everyone who has given funds, time and energy, or kind words: We can’t thank you enough. You have given the chimps a brighter view!
Window installation day was last Friday, so the chimps had to be locked out of the playroom for the entire day. I did all I could to keep them busy so they wouldn’t get too bored or anxious during the construction, though they really didn’t seem to mind and were pretty interested to see what was happening. I put out tons of raisin boards, prepared by volunteers Jennifer & Larry the day before, which kept them busy for a while.
Burrito seemed pretty sure there was no better place to be that day than sitting in the window in the outdoor area looking into the playroom.
He even spied on the workers by looking at them in a mirror.
He doesn’t have a lot of guy friends, after all…
Missy checking out the construction: (Doesn’t she look young in this picture?!)
And the next day, the chimps finally got to take a look out their new clear picture window.
Burrito:
And of course, Negra: What an awesome birthday gift!
You may have noticed in the video posted previously that we’ve been keeping a secret from you.
On Friday, we replaced three caged windows with clear chimp-proof glass. Thanks to a generous donation from LUSH for two of the windows:
And Anna Kircher and fellow blog readers for the third window (view of the garden!)
If you received the e-newsletter sent out earlier today, you saw photos of Negra’s view and her sitting in one of the windows upstairs.
Here’s a photo of Jody taking a peak out the blog reader’s window downstairs:
and Jamie cleaning the window (apparently we forgot to complete the installation with a wipe-down using a sock):
We’ll be installing four more new windows soon thanks to everyone who donated between March 17th and today for our 2nd Anniversary Fundraising.
We’ll share the final fundraising amount and who raised the most early this week. Thanks, everyone for helping us exceed our goal!!
We really can’t thank you enough for following the lives of the Cle Elum Seven chimpanzees and helping to fill their new lives with love and happiness.
The last two years have been remarkable.
This video is for you:
Warm weather has finally arrived. Yesterday J.B. removed one wall of the greenhouse panels.
Negra was ready
Negra spent yesterday and today in her spot enjoying the view
While we enjoyed the view of Negra with the direct sunlight on her face
She also spent some time in her favorite pose, taking a nap
Doesn’t this close up of Negra just compel you to contribute (and tell all of your friends to donate) to the 2nd Anniversary Fundraising to celebrate Negra’s birthday and 2 years in sanctuary?
Thank you to everyone who is working hard to give Negra and all of the Cle Elum Seven this second chance on life at the sanctuary.
The chimps were outside bright and early this morning to welcome the return of the sun to Central Washington.
I wish I had more progress to report, but the weather has been awful. Still, we’ve managed to start installing panels on the roof and we’ve nearly completed one wall. From the inside, the view is somewhat distorted but it lets in nearly all the light. We’re all excited for the chimps to have more space in the winter. Now all we need is some sun!
We’re getting closer! Volunteer Jim Spencer has been coming all the way from Whidbey Island to help with construction, and together we’ve nearly completed the framing.
The greenhouse won’t be heated, but the polycarbonate panels should trap enough solar heat to make it comfortable on a sunny day. This morning, Annie spent a little time outside, despite the temperature being in the 30′s. With the greenhouse, she should be able to hang out in the outdoor area a lot more often.
Also, while the chimps love to eat snow, they don’t like to walk in it. Foxie will appreciate not having to tip toe through the cold snow to get to where she wants to go.
Get your own copy of the book Sanctuary: Year One. Forward by Jane Goodall. Full of amazing photos of the Cle Elum Seven. Shop for all items in the online store.
