I was told, the Chimp work would start the day after the Flamingos were done. I was anxious to see, and I was completely surprised, as that is exactly what's happened! Work on the interior of the Pachyderm Building started February 15th!
A couple months ago I heard a few ideas about what was going to happen, but a few days before construction started, I got details as to what exactly was going to happen in this first phase of the project. I was So Happy! for Our Chimp Friends, I cried after hearing the plans. I'm just so happy that they are here and they will get this new experience, because I was able to be their voice and didn't give up on them.
I made a video on the spot, that will walk you through what the plan is.
In the video you will hear me say, "a few years" in reference to how long it would be for the current phase of the Project. I may have been confused with that timeline. I had just gotten this clarity of the plan, and I decided to make this video on the spot. I was working out the timing, as I was narrating, considering past timelines for Sifakas, as well the previously predicted start of Chimps, and how those estimations were pushed farther out. So, I really have no idea how long it will actually take, but in hindsight, I'd think the estimation for the whole project, both Pachyderm inside/outside and Triple Grotto renovation, shouldn't take more than three years. That is providing the Zoo does not (and should not!) acquire any new Animals that will require new Exhibits. If they do continue that trend after finally getting to the Chimps Needs, then there is something seriously wrong with their compassion for these long-time Residents. There will be no excuse. The only excuse I would find acceptable would be for a simultaneous build of the much needed new Komodo Dragon Exhibit that was promised to him within two years of his arrival, which was over three years ago and/or a Rescue that had no other option than being Euthanized.
So, as I understand it, this is a Three, possibly Four Phase Project.
First, Pachyderm inside remodel. Visitor Viewing and Indoor Playroom. Multiple Room Housing.
Second, Sky Trail from Pachyderm into North Grotto exhisting Housing..
Third, Pachyderm outside (pending). Possible outdoor area, along west side of Pachyderm.
Fourth, Triple Grotto Renovation.
Sky Trail envision.
Pachyderm Bldg to North Grotto Housing.
(behind tree ;)
Pachyderm Bldg to North Grotto Housing.
(behind tree ;)
I'm no artist in drawing,
but I thought I'd do an ariel view of how
I imagine it will be from the info I got.
I tried to post links to all three parts of this Update Series, but for some reason they didn't work. They were posted in succession, if you are new to the story, please check them out. Thank you for your interest.
