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RELOCATION SCRAPBOOK (Oldest photos are at bottom, most recent at top.) JUMP TO: [ July 2006 ] [ Aug 2006 ] [ Sept 2006 ] [ Oct 2006 ] [ Nov 2006 ] [ Dec 2006 ] [ Jan 2007 ] [ Feb 2007 ] [ April 2007 ] [ May 2007 ] [ June 2007 ] [ July 2007 ] [ Aug 2007 ] [ Sept 2007 ] [ Oct 2007 ] [ Nov 2007 ] [ Dec 2007 ] [ Jan 2008 ] [ March 2008 ] [ April 2008 ] |
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Volunteers from the Albion area pitched in during the annual Kid City event this year to build Nala a new bench. August 11, 2008. | ||
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Newly adopted "Fiat" and "U2", cottontop tamarins, will enjoy this temporary outdoor habitat this summer. Here it is being transported to be set into place for this summer near the new Reptile House, along the pathway so visitors can observe the tiny primates. July 30, 2008. | ||
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India is out!! Well, not loose, but out enjoying her new permanent Phase II habitat! The 18-year-old Bengal tiger is the oldest in residence so she got the first new tiger habitat. Nestled in the woods she is enjoying exploring and bounding to and fro! June 24, 2008. | ||
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The new exhibits inside the Reptile House are filled with native wood and faux greenery, making them just beautiful! We hope our sponsor, Corporate Construction, will be pleased with these results. We know our visitors, and the animals will be! May 5, 2008. | ||
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Mae takes her first look outdoors, then soon ventures out and begins enjoying her new permanent outdoor habitat. April 27, 2008. | ||
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Another primate habitat is complete! Mae, a hamadryas baboon, is now enjoying her new outdoor area. She still needs a sponsor, but the park has utilized materials in inventory to allow Mae access outdoors. A sponsor can help provide landscaping and fire hose, and other enrichment. April 27, 2008. | ||
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Volunteer Lynn Barlow sculps a faux rock finish into the alligator pool that will soon accommodate "Gus", a former dorm pet currently living at a pet store. Gus has exceeded five feet in length, and in Indiana an animal that large requires a special permit. Gus' new habitat will be spacious and provide him plenty of room to roam and continue to grow. April 22, 2008. | ||
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Members of Purdue University's Helping Paws student organization carried in nearly 18 tons of sand to create a substrate in what will become the Sulcata tortoise and green iguana habitat. March 22, 2008. | ||
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New reptile house entry. March 12, 2008. | ||
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Central Indiana Hardware was on the job to install what may be northeast Indiana's nicest commercial entry doors in the new reptile house. March 12, 2008. | ||
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Randy Vaughn, volunteer, puts a coat of paint on the ceiling of the new iguana and tortoise habitat, readying it for animals to move in this spring. March 6, 2008. | ||
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Work continues inside the new reptile house, including this area that will house iguanas and Sulcata tortoises. March 6, 2008. | ||
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Chris Henry, of C Henry Steel, and Jerry Henry, with Midwest Pipe and Steel, made extraordinarily generous contributions of structural steel recently that will be used to construct an outdoor habitat for Coby and Tarzan, the park's resident chimpanzees. Their contribution, along with financial support from Lawrence Construction, are getting us closer to making the chimps' Phase II permanent habitat a reality! We are grateful for the support of these Fort Wayne-based companies! March 1, 2008. | ||
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A variety of habitats inside the reptile house will accommodate several existing animal residents, as well as future rescued "pets", including iguanas, tortoises, and snakes. Visitors will be able to walk through the building and observe the animals through glass as well as "open" air exhibits. January 4, 2008. | ||
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The addition of interior walls and openings for habitat viewing windows begin to give a picture of what the interior of the reptile house will look like. January 4, 2008. | ||
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Black Pine staff add insulation and begin finishing the interior of the 40'x40' reptile house that is being funded by Corporate Construction of Auburn, IN. December 13, 2007. | ||
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The exterior of the new reptile house nears completion. December 13, 2007. | ||
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Workers finish the front entrance to the new reptile house. December 13, 2007. | ||
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An Albion-based Venturing Crew, encouraged by participant and Black Pine staff member Paul Cureton, helped tremendously by providing labor to put the wire panels in India's main outdoor area, as well other future tiger habitats nearby. November 29, 2007. | ||
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India, a 16-year-old Bengal tiger, will be the next to move into her Phase II permanent habitat, nestled in the woods. Her den now under construction. November 29, 2007. | ||
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It was cold but sunny as Phil Sensibaugh (left), with Novozymes Biologicals, and Josh Price (right) hooked up electricals to service all the new animal dens built over the past few months. November 29, 2007. | ||
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It took only 15 to 20 minutes before Nala was comfortable in her new house, surrounded by friendly faces observing her, before she settled in for dinner. November 9, 2007. | ||
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Nala, an African lioness, was the first big cat to be moved into a new Phase II permanent habitat. This photo was taken as she made her first exploration into her new wooded home. November 9, 2007. | ||
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This close-up of Montrose, a resident Bengal tiger, illustrates the fine detail of Mike Montoya's work. October 13, 2007. | ||
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Mike Montoya, artist, along with his wife, Jennifer, are owners of Montoyas Customs and Paint Airbrushing and Designs in Rome City, IN. Mike generously donated his time, materials, and extraordinary talents to airbrush likenesses of the actual animals residing at Black Pine on these walls. The murals are in both the men's and women's public restrooms, which will hopefully be in service by mid-2008. He did a beautiful job! Call him for your needs at 260-350-1958! October 13, 2007. | ||
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Work continues on the reptile building with crews coming when they don't have paid work to attend to. This project is made possible by donated labor and materials and is sponsored by Corporate Construction of Auburn, IN. September 19, 2007. | ||
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Cody settled in very quickly to being outdoors. This transition to living like a wild cat will take some getting used to. Cody lived for over eight years in a cage in a man's basement. September 13, 2007. | ||
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In between other ongoing projects, Cody's new outdoor habitat was erected. The mountain lion was moved on September 13, 2007 into his new home. | ||
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The 40x40' reptile building being donated by Corporate Construction of Auburn is underway. First up - the frame posts! August 30, 2007. | ||
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Plumbing is being laid for all of the large animal dens and habitats that will be constructed in coming months. Long-term plans include wading pools for the tigers. August 18, 2007. | ||
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Guests will surely enjoy the new pavilion. It provides shelter and a great vantage point in the center of the park, for picnicking or just relaxing in the shade. Picnic tables seat about 60 adults. This area will get a lot of use for special events, educational presentations, and is available for families, groups, and others who visit the park. August 16, 2007. | ||
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The new guest pavilion is getting finishing touches - hooking up light fixtures and ceiling fans, and putting electrical outlets. The pavilion was "squeezed" in between habitat projects to accommodate local contractors who were willing to donate services between their other jobs. Chief among them was Leatherman Construction, Inc. who did all the concrete work. August 16, 2007. | ||
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The new reptile house is close to becoming a reality now. Work is being done to put in the drainage lines that will be used for cleaning out the alligator pool. Construction is expected to begin next week. August 16, 2007. | ||
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Lisa was busy for the first several hours in her new habitat exploring and looking for native bugs, and her morning diet placed throughout the habitat for her to "discover" while she foraged. August 3, 2007. | ||
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The second new primate habitat welcomed Lisa, a lion-tail macaque, today. The spacious outdoor area features lots of trees and limbs to give the small primate plenty of room to climb and explore. August 3, 2007. | ||
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Bill Hart and other skilled workers put a fine finish on the concrete floor of the new pavilion. Without the support of contractors and other skilled professionals, Black Pine wouldn't be able to offer such great amenities for guests to enjoy while visiting the park. We are grateful for LCI's support! August 3, 2007. | ||
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Leatherman Construction (LCI) of Albion are sponsors of the park's new pavilion. Their crew came to pour concrete on August 3, 2007. In addition to the large pavilion pad, they also poured a new entryway pad to the chimpanzee building and created an impressive round pad that will lay at the foot of a new guest map. The round pad features an eye-catching compass graphic. | ||
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Jim Kratzat, president and architect at MSKTD & Associates of Fort Wayne, has most recently donated his talents by helping to design this "donor garden" that will feature over 300 engraved brick pavers purchased by contributors to the Relocation Project. Peaches, a Moluccan cockatoo, resides in a habitat in the center of the raised area. | ||
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Now under construction is the next small primate habitat. This area will enable Lisa, a lion-tail macaque, access outdoors for the summer months. Her indoor winter quarters is accessed through the small opening that can be seen in the bottom left of the photo, in the bottom edge of the building wall. July 18, 2007. | ||
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Blue, a green-wing macaw, and Jose, a military macaw, were moved into their new summer habitat in mid-July. Visitors can now observe them as they turn to enter the woods where bobcat, caracal, and the coatimundi habitats were also recently opened for public viewing. July 18, 2007. | ||
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This new canopy provides shade for visitors and animals along the edge of the area housing Johnny, a dromedary camel, and llamas, goats, sheep, large birds, donkeys, and other pasture animals. June 28, 2007. | ||
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Monarch Development came to the aid of the Relocation Project yet again with the delivery and setting of this large canopy. The canopy was donated by Dexter Axle Company in Albion, a local manufacturing company, after being removed during a plant expansion. June 28, 2007. | ||
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The first large animal habitat is now under construction. Designed for a mountain lion, the frontage will be 16 feet tall to enable climbing. June 26, 2007. | ||
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Bandit was moved into his new permanent habitat on June 22, 2007. Bobcats Walter and O'Malley were moved just prior to Bandit into new habitats as well. All are located in a wooded area where shade is providing welcomed relief to a very warm start to summer. | ||
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Forker Excavating of Albion has been in and out of the front gate a number of times over the past two days donating fill dirt. This central area of the park will be leveled up and a new picnic/staging area will be created for visitors to enjoy and for park staff to hold programs. June 7, 2007. | ||
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Zimba has explored her new habitat, but on this day was resting quietly inside a temporary shelter, just waking up from a long nap. June 7, 2007. | ||
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Zimba, a caracal, was moved into her new permanent habitat on Saturday, June 2. A winter den and a few other details will be added later. We're sure she is glad to be outside, and away from the sometimes noisy macaws! | ||
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A new pathway has been created into a wooded portion of the new site where visitors will observe the resident bobcats, caracal, and other small mammals, once habitats are completed. May 24, 2007. | ||
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Permanent Phase II habitats are under way for the resident bobcats, caracal (African lynx), and coatimundi. They are the first to be constructed in the expansive woods on the new site. Habitats are available for sponsorship. May 24, 2007. | ||
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Hanna and Yoda are enjoying their new spacious outdoor habitat that is connected to their winter/indoor habitat. April 22, 2007. | ||
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Yoda and Hanna, the resident rhesus macaque monkeys, were released into their new permanent habitat on April 21, 2007 as a new group of volunteers watched. This is the first Phase II habitat to be completed, though a sponsor is still needed. April 22, 2007. | ||
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Yoda and Hanna, the resident rhesus macaque monkeys, were released into their new permanent habitat on April 21, 2007 as a new group of volunteers watched. This is the first Phase II habitat to be completed, though a sponsor is still needed. April 22, 2007. | ||
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Posts have been placed that will be used to secure the outdoor tiger habitat enclosures to be constructed in Phase II. Each tiger, or pair of tigers currently housed together, will enjoy spacious new areas in the woods and new dens. April 2007. | ||
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We are fortunate to have supporters who see the value of their products and how they can make our efforts more efficient and productive! Reelcraft, headquartered in nearby Columbia City, IN, is no exception. The company generously donated three reel carts like the one shown here, and two wall-mounted reels, to help us better organize and utilize the many water hoses we use to clean and fill waters on a daily basis. We are very grateful for their contribution! February 9, 2007. | ||
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We are very fortunate to have been able to add a laundry center, purchased as a "scratch and dent" unit, to our staff bathroom. Now we will be able to wash rags, bedding that we give to the primates for enrichment, bath linens, and staff attire. At left in the photo is the shower. Many thanks to Doug and Kaylene Duncan, volunteers and the parents of former intern Kristen Duncan, for all their volunteer plumbing services throughout this project! January 31, 2007. | ||
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The staff bathroom is now complete. Besides the obvious comforts of indoor plumbing, the new bathroom enables members of our volunteers staff to work and shower before heading off to school or work, a big plus for anyone who does the dirty work of zookeeping! January 31, 2007. | ||
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Everyone who has ever been asked to wash food pans and tubs at Black Pine can appreciate how very exciting it is to have this new commercial-grade scullery sink installed!! Mike Placzek, father of Stephanie Placzek, an intern at Black Pine in 2006, arranged the donation of this fabulous fixture through his employer and the manufacturer, Elkay Manufacturing. This three-bay sink features plenty of work space, an overhead sprayer, and a garbage disposal. January 31, 2007. | ||
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Local volunteer and supporter Michele Owen and her mother kindly surprised Jess Price, Senior Zookeeper, by putting up "big cat" wallpaper border in her new office. Jess moved into the finished space just after the New Year. January 31, 2007. | ||
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O'Malley and Walter, the two male bobcats that reside at Black Pine, have also settled into temporary enclosures for the winter. January 4, 2007. | ||
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With apologies for the odd coloration of this photo due to some Photoshop manipulation to make the space visible, this shows how large just one-half of the chimpanzees new indoor home is. Tarzan loves to run back and forth. There is a divider wall in this half that creates two rooms, and at right you can see the staircase that goes to the upper level where they have access to the shute shown in a previous photo. January 4, 2007. | ||
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Tarzan can't sit still for a photo! He is up and down and running here and there, but this angle shows that under the skylights we have hung several live plants to enhance the space and make it more healthy for everyone. January 4, 2007. | ||
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The new chimpanzee house is an amazing space. Constructed of welded wire mesh panels and angle iron, the space features three rooms, each with doors that can shut off any of the areas. A large overhead shute, in which Coby can be seen in the photo, separates two of the rooms. The chimps are enjoying the area very much and sleeping at night in the shute. Skylights have also been a great addition to their new home. January 4, 2007. | ||
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One of the most exciting features of the new primate and mammal building are two 4x6' panes of glass that were installed in the chimpanzee's side of the building. Using funds that were raised by friends and family of volunteers Linda and Jim Kratzat we were able to purchase the windows (at a cost of nearly $5,500). Each pane is 1.5" thick and shatterproof. Coby and Tarzan are really enjoying watching the activity throughout the grounds, and visitors have enjoyed watching them, too! January 4, 2007. | ||
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During this winter only, two of the park's elder small cats, Zimba, the caracal pictured at left, are currently occupying stalls in the primate and mammal building. They will, however, have new permanent enclosures built outdoors during Phase II of the project, which will create vacancies in this building. The vacated stalls will enable the park to adopt more primates in need in the future. January 4, 2007. | ||
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Indoor habitats, designed and fabricated by Josh Price, feature plastic wall treatments, aluminum framing, nylon-coated wire mesh, and concrete footings and floors so all surfaces can be cleaned and sanitized daily. Yoda and Hannah, formerly household pets, create quite a mess every day, so the new habitat designs are making life for keepers better than ever, too! January 4, 2007. | ||
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All of the animals have adjusted very well to their new home. The large aviary birds, however, seem to be especially enjoying the much larger area, skylights, and view in every direction. This is Clyde, a blue and yellow macaw sitting atop one of the many wood boards used to "prop" the habitat. January 4, 2007. | ||
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With our camera warmed up we decided to take a few shots of the completed "primate and mammal building" to further illustrate the results of Phase I construction. This view is from just inside the staff entrance into one half of the large structure. At top left in the photo you can see Blue and Jose, macaws, in the large center aviary. Surrounding them are various small monkeys, mammals and reptiles being housed for winter in the new building. January 4, 2007. | ||
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Capping off a successful day of roofing all the outdoor holding areas was Nala. She sniffed around, looked around, then quickly settled in to enjoy an amazing view of her new country home. January 4, 2007. | ||
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The Chain O Lakes work crew, and Black Pine staff members, stood by as Shengi and Nala began to check out their new surroundings. January 4, 2007. | ||
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With some coaxing from Jess, Shengi began exploring. January 4, 2007. | ||
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Shengi was the first of the big cats and bears to enjoy the opportunity to venture outdoors again after three months of being housed in the holding barn. January 4, 2007. | ||
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Very large rocks are being used to provide good drainage in these outdoor holding areas for the cats and bears. These temporary accommodations will allow the animals fresh air, sunshine, and enrichment while they await their new permanent habitats to be built during Phase II of the project. January 4, 2007. | ||
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A work crew from the Chain O Lakes (Indiana) Department of Corrections put roofs on the outdoor holding areas that will soon allow the cats and bears outdoors. This program allows low-risk inmates to work under supervision of state officers on a variety of projects, many of which are for non-profit organizations, towns, and counties throughout Indiana. We have enjoyed having the guys' on site on a number of occasions throughout this project and are very grateful for their enthusiasm to help on such a worthwhile project. January 4, 2007. | ||
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Nala (and Shengi, that's her nose at right) and the other big cats, and bears have been anxious to get back outdoors since relocating to their large holding barn in late October. Today is the day the outdoor holding areas will get underway! While indoors has been warm, dry, and perfectly accommodating we are also anxious to give the animals the choice of going outside. January 4, 2007. | ||
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Dr. Patrick Drumm (center) and assistant Nancy Wietfeldt (right) joined Jessica Price, Senior Zookeeper, for a look at the new large animal holding barn during the Open House. Dr. Drumm works with Price, Wietfeldt, and volunteer Linda Kratzat to study Coby's (a resident chimpanzee) use of sign language to communicate. They have been collecting data for several years through sessions held on a regular basis. December 10, 2006 | ||
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Open House visitors enjoyed a "behind the scenes" look at the results of Phase I construction, including the amazing and spacious indoor chimpanzee habitat. Visitors seemed impressed with the custom engineered welded woven wire panels that create a large and very secure indoor living space. A variety of "props" including ladders, platforms, and a maze of fire hose hammocks and climbing areas will surely keep Coby and Tarzan entertained! December 10, 2006. | ||
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Among those thanked for contributions throughout Phase I were John and Lynn Toles (center). Lori Gagen, Director of Development, thanked them for their significant financial support, volunteer labor, and dedication to the park's mission. Over a dozen people were recognized and thanked with certificates of appreciation, service pins, embroidered sweatshirts, hats, and other thank-you gifts. December 10, 2006. | ||
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Members of the media filmed a volunteer recognition ceremony held during the Holiday Open House as members of Black Pine's staff shared their thanks for everyone's extraordinary efforts to date. December 10, 2006 | ||
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Nearly 500 personal invitations were extended to supporters of Black Pine to attend the "first look" at the progress of the Relocation Project as Phase I neared completion. The invitation was also extended to the general public and an estimated 300 people attended on December 10, 2006. The park's many volunteers and administrative staff provided guided tours of the new structures and offered free refreshments for visitors to enjoy. It was a beautiful day! | ||
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Bill Luke, Monarch Development, has been doing a wonderful job helping keep the grounds as workable as possible while the rain has been relentless! Several more truckloads of crushed asphalt (recycled material) has been delivered over the past week to create paths between buildings. November 17, 2006. | ||
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Transparent roof panels will flood the new chimpanzee/primate and mammal building with natural light. The photo illustrates how even as the sun goes down, the animals will be able to see outside, then enjoy the stars and moonglow at night! November 9, 2006. | ||
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The chimpanzee/primate and mammal building is pictured late in the day just as the final roof panel is finished. Trim work and all the interior finish work (electricity, plumbing, etc.) and additional caging will now begin. November 9, 2006. | ||
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Doug Duncan, an employee of Current Mechanical and the parent of a long-time volunteer and former intern, Kristen Duncan, has donated his professional plumbing services to the project. Doug and his wife, Kaylene, were busy on their third full day of plumbing in the commissary. November 4, 2006. | ||
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Topeka Overhead Door kindly joined the ranks of donors to the Relocation Project by providing and installing this fabulous new roll-up overhead door! This door is one of the service entrances to the new commissary food prep area. November 4, 2006. | ||
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The scale of the new chimpanzee/primate building can be felt in this photo. The massive structure stands tall and will provide a wonderful view for the chimpanzees. November 4, 2006. | ||
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Saturday, November 4 brought out several volunteers and Jack Owen Excavating, on hand again to set the very large roof trusses for the chimpanzee/primate and mammal building. Here volunteers are getting ready to break for lunch, but not before securing the last truss. November 4, 2006. | ||
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Looking into the primate building from the south, this view shows the chimpanzee caging as it was set into place and bolted and clamped to await welding. The chimpanzees' new indoor habitat will be about eight times larger than their current digs with much space added in height. November 2, 2006. | ||
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Jack Owen Excavating arrived bright and early on November 1 to begin setting the large fabricated cage pieces into the primate building. This caging will house the chimpanzees. The caging was pre-fabricated and went together much like a puzzle to form two large indoor areas connected by an overhead "shute" the animals can move through from side to side. Jack Owen donated his services on this portion of the project, and has provided tons of topsoil and rock needed throughout the grounds, as well as transportation needs. November 2, 2006. | ||
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As the park prepares to vacate the premises and move into all-new buildings and habitats, many of the items donated for improvement at the old site in recent years are also being removed to ensure their continued use at the new site. In this photo the relatively new steel entry door at left, donated by Corporate Construction in Auburn, IN, was removed and the old door it had replaced was re-installed. Jeff Born, a dedicated supporter and Park Pal member took care of this project and has volunteered on many other tasks during the Relocation Project. October 31, 2006. | ||
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Just over one year after putting up a new habitat to house three Bengal tigers (Darly, Montrose and Luna), rescued from squalor, the habitat was being torn down. October 31, 2006. | ||
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Inmates from the Indiana Department of Corrections Chain-O-Lakes facility worked under supervision to help disassemble two big cat habitats. Materials will be re-used in Phase II of the Relocation Project. October 31, 2006. | ||
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India, one of the park's six Bengal tigers, along with all the other big cats and bears, took the move to their new home in stride. Eleven big cats and two bears were moved over two days, without incident. October 29, 2006. | ||
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The first animal was moved into the new large animal holding barn. China, the Asian leopard, was the lucky first resident of the new quarters. He is seen here in a rolling cage that was used to transport him the short distance between old and new homes. Assisting are staff members and volunteers, from left, John Toles, Mark Thaler, and Josh Price. October 28, 2006. | ||
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The park's new parking area includes a large turn-around for buses and RV's. Volunteers landscaped the area recently, and a portion of the new perimeter fence can also be seen in this photo. October 25, 2006. | ||
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This is a view upon approach of the new site that shows the gate entrance into the staff service area, which includes the Commissary and Maintenance Building and a locking gate to secure the perimeter. October 25, 2006. | ||
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Lots of activity is happening in and around the new Maintenance Building. October 25, 2006.. | ||
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Today, Jack Owen (Excavating) delivered tons of large rock to be distributed around the new large animal holding barn before outside caging can be added. Jack donated the rock and delivery, among other services, in support of our efforts. This view of the 80' long holding barn is from the south side. October 25, 2006. | ||
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After many attempts to purchase the perimeter fence locally, but no one able to secure the type of fencing we were searching for, we hired Bauer Midwest Fence to intall this high tension 8' tall perimeter at a cost of just over $18,000, including multiple gates. Tim Sanchez was on site for over two weeks putting up this impressive new security feature. October 25, 2006. | ||
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Carrie Martz (at left in photo) posed to point out the large opening in the chimpanzee wall that will hold a 4'x6' security glass for visitors to observe the chimpanzees. These panes of glass had to be special ordered to be manufactured to withstand the punishment of two adult male chimpanzees, each with the strength of six to seven adult men! The glass will be 1.5" thick and constructed of three individual panes laminated with a thin plastic material to create one secure, shatterproof piece. Each pane will weigh over 600 pounds, so special equipment will also be used to install the panes later this fall. This specialty glass does not come "cheap". The purchase is made possible by funds raised by volunteers Linda and Jim Kratzat who collected donations from family and friends to help improve the chimpanzee habitat design. We are very grateful for their hard work on behalf of Coby and Tarzan! October 24, 2006. | ||
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This view shows the scope of the size of the concrete wall that makes up the chimpanzee end of the chimpanzee and small mammal building. The large door will be for keepers to move from inside to the outdoor habitat and exhibit area (to be built once funds are available). The smaller opening right of the door will be one of two "shift" doors that will enable the chimps to move from indoors to outside. Along the top of the tall wall, glass blocks have been included in the design to enable lots of natural daylight to penetrate the indoor habitat. The roof design will also include multiple "skylights" to flood the building with sunlight. October 24, 2006. | ||
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This photo captures the concrete design work on the floor of the small animal area of the chimpanzee and mammal building. Footers were poured to serve as the base for walls that will create individual indoor habitats. The habitat walls will be fabricated of aluminum tube framing with plastic-coated metal mesh wire to form caging. Along the back wall small shift door openings can be seen. These will enable year-round residents of this building to move from indoors to the outside exhibit areas. Multiple floor drains will make daily cleaning easy for keepers. October 24, 2006. | ||
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$60,000 has thus far been spent building the spacious new chimpanzee and small mammal building. This large structure will house two chimps, a baboon, two rhesus macaque monkeys, a lion-tailed macaque monkey, and various other small mammals, reptiles, and birds. Several individual habitats for the smaller animals will be used only in the winter, while some others will be permanent year-round homes with outdoor habitats and exhibits. This photo shows the large scale concrete wall face that will serve as one wall of the chimpanzee habitat, enabling lots of perches and other propping for the animals to exercise and play. October 24, 2006. | ||
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Volunteers set posts for a winter shelter for field animals. October 14, 2006. | ||
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J.O. Mory has supported the park's efforts for several years and stepped up to the plate again for the Relocation Project. Gene Mory and employees of the company donated this brand new Bryant furnace and all the duct work and installation to heat the new commissary. October 14, 2006. | ||
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Members of the Purdue University Zoological Society, or "Zoo Club", returned to Black Pine to complete a second project in 2006. In the spring the club spent a Saturday re-designing a bobcat habitat. This fall they returned to help pack up much of the zoo's belongings and move them to storage at the new site. Kiely Clark, a former Black Pine intern and now a senior at Purdue, helped organize the work day. October 14, 2006. | ||
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Boy Scout Troop 349 got busy framing up new signs and setting them roadside to help visitors and workers find the new site. The guys did an excellent job on a variety of projects during a volunteer day held on October 14, 2006. They enjoyed a behind the scenes visit with the animals after putting in a hard afternoon of work, and seemed to especially enjoy meeting Shengi and Nala. | ||
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Boy Scout Troop 507 of Albion arrived early on October 14 to kick off a volunteer day that resulted in many accomplishments, including packing up many items at the "old" site for moving, landscaping projects, and setting posts for the field animal barn. Joining them in lending a hand were members of Boy Scout Troop 349 from Fort Wayne, IPFW Pre-Vet and Agriculture Club, and the Purdue (West Lafayette) Zoological Society. | ||
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Nearly $60,000 has already been spent on construction of the new chimpanzee and small mammal building, with approximately $40,000 needed for future outdoor habitat construction. This massive new structure will house Coby and Tarzan, as well as the resident monkeys, baboon, and a variety of other small animals. Ken Gangwer, owner of Gangwer Masonry, has done an outstanding job designing and installing the cement block wall that will enable 4'x6' glass observation windows to be installed, as well as extensive "propping" for the animals to enjoy indoors. Gangwer donated over $1,000 in services for the project. Slater Concrete also contributed to this portion of the project. October 14, 2006. | ||
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Some rainy days have delayed construction, but work has continued on projects such as organizing the maintenance building. | ||
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John Toles (left) and Josh Price have put in hundreds of hours on the Relocation Project to date. Here they spent a nice fall day setting the floor drains in the chimpanzee and small mammal house, which was just beginning to be framed as well. October 9, 2006. | ||
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Tom Quick and his company, Quick Tanks, Inc., aided the park by purchasing and passing through at cost all of the heavy-gauge metal mesh and angle iron needed to fabricate caging to house the chimpanzees. Once cut and welded by a team of volunteers, parts were galvenized by AAA Galvenizing in Hamilton, Indiana. Transportation was provided by Rex Rawles, who also helped weld. | ||
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Posts were set for the chimpanzee and small mammal house on October 6, 2006. (See site "Before" excavation started above.) | ||
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Phil Sensibaugh, a local electrical engineer and inventor, and his employer Novozymes Biologicals, have been very generous in contributing cash, time, and expertise to design and intall electric service panels, wiring, and work with Noble REMC to hook up electrical service at the new site. Noble REMC is a major contributor to the Relocation Project having donated the hook-up. Marty Thomas, John Hoover, and other local electricians have also graciously volunteered their services. September 21, 2006. | ||
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With the last of the Phase I buildings nearly ready to erect, volunteers got to work welding the indoor caging that will house the chimpanzees. These massive, heavy-gauge mesh metal panels and angle iron framing must withstand nearly ten times the punishment a man could inflict in order to be "chimpanzee proof". Tom Quick, owner of Quick Tanks, Inc., graciously contributed his expertise and passed along his purchasing discounts to obtain these specialized metal panels. September 19, 2006. | ||
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This long view shows the trench that runs from the main service buildings to the remote big cat and bear holding barn. Cooper Trenching and R&L Well Drilling completed this portion of the project. September 19, 2006. | ||
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Larry Cooper (Cooper Trenching) and Rex Snyder (R&L Well Drilling) stopped working only long enough to hit the camera button! They were hard at work trenching and laying the water and power lines between the new well house and the outlying buildings. Like several other local companies, these small businesses have gone above and beyond the call of duty, discounting services and lending their expertise, to help make this project possible! September 19, 2006. | ||
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(AFTER...) Keith Leatherman and his crew from Monarch Development got to work excavating the last of the Phase I building pads. This time they were preparing ground for the erection of the final Phase I building - the chimpanzee and small primate/mammal house. A "Before" photo is shown above. September 19, 2006. | ||
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Brooks Construction and Klink Trucking have been dumping recycled asphalt to create the service roads and parking lot at the new site. This view shows a service road that leads to the 4-H archery building, which sits at the "back side" of the new big cat and bear holding barn. Jack Owen Excavating and several other volunteers have also been hard on work on the project. September 19, 2006. | ||
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We have been blessed by the generosity of many local business people and individuals, including Phil Sensibaugh. Phil is a local resident, electrical engineer, and inventor. He joined forces with Novozymes Biologicals (makers of his patented fertilizer) to lend expertise, time, and funding to design, purchase, and install the electrical distribution system at the new site. Working closely with Noble REMC, soon electricity should be flowing to power the new buildings! September 19, 2006. | ||
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Some heavy equipment was used to clear away the brush that blocked the view of the wetlands near the entrance to the new site. The beautiful views and nature trails on the property and adjoining 4-H park grounds will be a wonderful addition for visitors to enjoy next summer! September 19, 2006. | ||
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(BEFORE)...Soon excavation will begin on the fourth and final Phase I building. This building will be another large structure, 32'x70', to house chimpanzees, small primates, and a variety of small mammals and birds throughout the winter months. Some will call this home permanently while others will eventually have individual habitat/exhibits. See the "After" photo below. September 1, 2006. | ||
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The well, installed by R & L Well Drilling, will be a huge improvement and prove to be much more efficient for keepers in servicing animals. Pumps have been scattered throughout the grounds with more than adequate constant pressure. . | ||
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Josh preps the well house for concrete. September 1, 2006. | ||
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Work continues on the commissary and public restrooms. September 1, 2006. | ||
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Caging is nearing completion in the large animal holding barn. Keeper doors, a garage door, electricity and lights will be installed soon. September 1, 2006. | ||
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Keith Leatherman (pictured at left) and his company, Monarch Development, are Platinum Sponsors of the Relocation Project, having contributed hundreds of hours of equipment time and use, and labor. Monarch employees and local residents Bill Luke and Roger Delbeq, as well as Keith, excavated acres of ground and have returned to the site often to re-grade the surface. The park is very grateful for their support! August 25, 2006. | ||
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When complete the large animal holding barn will have room to house 16 large cats and/or bears. Each stall will have an adjacent "shift area" that allows keepers to move each animal and secure them temporarily while their main stall and waterers are cleaned and bedding is replaced. Animals will also have an outdoor exercise area. Once Phase II construction is complete this building will be used as a quarantine area, for veterinary service, and storage. August 25, 2006 | ||
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Long view of the commissary in the framing stages. The maintenance building is seen in the back. | ||
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John Toles and Josh Price work on the underground plumbing lines before readying the new commissary (animal food prep & storage building) for concrete. | ||
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This 80x42' building will provide shelter to most of the park's large animals during the first winter at the new site. The last of the concrete was being finished when this photo was taken during the morning hours on August 17, 2006. | ||
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The first building went up quickly thanks to the hard work of Josh Price, John Toles, and other volunteers. This is the maintenance building. August 5, 2006. | ||
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Thanks to the generosity of Andy Brooks, (Brooks Construction) and Keith Leatherman (Monarch Development), the new driveway and much of the parking lot was excavated and topped with crushed asphalt. The drive itself offers a lovely wooded view! | ||
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Volunteers worked several consecutive weekends to clear the wooded areas in the main part of the site to help determine how quickly the expanded acreage might be used. Board member Dianne Lengerich (left) and her husband, John, endured some very hot summer days lending a hand. This area will eventually be occupied by the park's resident bears. | ||
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Our official Groundbreaking ceremony was held July 26, 2006. Several local dignitaries were in attendance, as well as local supporters and major contributors, and Black Pine board and staff. | ||
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The new site, located less than two miles from the stoplight in Albion on CR 300 N. Josh Price is pictured measuring the site to begin planning building layouts. July 17, 2006 | ||
