Twister chimp structure-1

We bring you TWISTER, but it’s not what you might think

May 9, 2016 by Keri -

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Do you remember when Diana wrote to stay tuned for a new unveiling? Well, today is the big day!! Blog readers and sanctuary supporters, meet Twister; the chimpanzees’ newest climbing structure. The Twister design was conceived by J.B. with a starting idea by Nick and built by J.B., Keith, Josh, Becky, Mark, Jack, Jim, Brian, Gretchen, and Patrick.

Funds for building it were donated by friends of Bill Walters. He and his wife Nicki and their friend Dave were here today to see the chimps explore the structure.

Twister chimp structure-1

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Jody, Annie, Missy and Jamie checking out the newest addition.
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Some of the chimps were daring enough to reach the top and take in the surrounding view.

Annie sitting on top and Missy just below.
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Missy
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Jamie
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But, I think the highlight, and perhaps they would agree too, was seeing Annie and Missy playing on and in and around it. Here’s an action shot Katelyn took today of Missy and Annie.
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YouTube video

Stay tuned for more photos and videos of the chimps exploring this newest addition to their 2 acre outdoor enclosure (Young’s Hill).

12 Comments

  1. Avatar Kathleen on May 9, 2016 at 6:53 pm

    WOW-WEE-KA-ZOWIE! That is the coolest! Did J.B. design this? Multifunctional tee-pee fun. It is amazing to watch Missy zoom down the Twister from the top at such a high speed and with such coordination and grace. And then dear Annie is so very careful with each and every step and placement of her feet — adorable. I am more like Annie! Seeing these two friends enjoying this new structure totally made my day. Can’t wait to see more!



  2. Avatar Julie on May 9, 2016 at 8:33 pm

    My heart is filled with love for the humans who made this possible for them! J.B. you should get a patent on your design…..brilliant!! I hope to see them playing on it in person soon!



  3. Avatar Meg on May 9, 2016 at 9:17 pm

    So exciting to see the chimps start climbing right away!



  4. Avatar Brenna on May 9, 2016 at 11:23 pm

    What fun! I wouldn’t mind playing on that! 😀



  5. Avatar Jean on May 10, 2016 at 3:05 am

    I am completely blown away! This is amazing and so very much fun! I think the family knows they are loved! Thank you!



  6. Avatar Elaine Reininger on May 10, 2016 at 4:09 am

    What an incredible structure and it didn’t take the Chimps long to know what to do with it. You caregivers don’t just provide food and shelter but it is so clear how much you all love them. Your parties are so delightful, so much thought going into all the enrichments, treats, activities. You are so creative with your daily surprises. I print out my favorite ones and show them to everyone. Congratulations to all the designers and builders of that new structure. It must have made you feel so good watching the 7 use it that first time



  7. Avatar Francoise Vulpe on May 10, 2016 at 7:58 am

    SO BRILLIANT! SO FUN! SO HEART-FILLING! So many tears….. I am choking up, as they say. The love and generosity of everyone that funded the Twister, the designers, the builders, and the spectators that got the well-deserved privilege of seeing it used for the first time — you are all simply awesome! I especially loved seeing Missy and Annie playing underneath. Reminds me of two kids having giggles in their secret hiding place. They looked like they were having a blast. As they should.



  8. Avatar Cheryl on May 10, 2016 at 8:09 am

    Great idea and great job!! Looks like they approve.



  9. Avatar Lorraine on May 10, 2016 at 8:19 am

    wow…. that’s fantastic !



  10. Avatar Martha Faulkner on May 10, 2016 at 9:35 am

    WAY COOL!



  11. Avatar Jackie on May 10, 2016 at 9:50 am

    Wow, this is amazing! The chimps will have a lot of fun on the Twister. Thank you to all that made this possible!



  12. Avatar Holly on May 10, 2016 at 4:31 pm

    Awesome!!! Did it have any modifications when it went from drawing to reality? That happens to everything I try to build. lol GREAT JOB!



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