The chimps got a brand new section of skywalk!

This month, a brand new exit from the building was installed where previously there had been a window with the old LEMSIP caging covering it. Daniel, Fauna’s welder extraordinaire, took a break from his work on the set of the XMen film to come by Fauna and was able to turn the window opening into an enclosed exterior staircase leading up to the intersection of skywalks. It is great to have the bars gone–an unwanted reminder of the labs, and as a result, lots more light enters the building. 

This exit provides a new access to the skywalks and a new trail for the chimps to explore. For a few months in the winter they don’t get to go onto the Islands when the snow is deep and there is one section of the skywalk they can’t access at all. However, with this new opening and staircase they can come out of the protected side of the building and walk where they previously could not. So, they have a new route to take and many more months of use-and it is so important to the chimps to have options and choices.

Everyone was excited all day watching Daniel weld, anxiously awaiting their chance to examine his workmanship. Finally, in mid-afternoon, Binky, Spock and Maya were the first out to explore the new trail. You can see Spock and Maya enjoying the view, hanging out down in the courtyard where they can now be face-to-face with their caregivers.