Tips for Dealing with the Heat
August 14, 2023 by J.B. -
This summer has been relatively mild so far (knock on wood) but we are now entering a stretch of 100+ degree days. Luckily, the chimps have it all worked out.
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Is the chimp house heated and/or air conditioned? I know there are big fans in the chimp house, so I’m wondering if that’s all the artificial temperature sources they have.
Hi Cindee – Yes! For heat, all indoor spaces have radiant heat in the concrete floors as well as backup propane unit heaters. For A/C, we have mini splits in the clinic and office area (since it can get toasty with so many medical professionals in the clinic) and a portable evaporative cooler for the chimp areas. Our main trick is to open windows overnight and close them during the day, since our climate has low overnight temps (usually in the 50s) in the summer, even when it’s 100 degrees during the day.
That’s cool! Thanks for detailing all of that for me, J.B.
For our gorillas today it was all about the ice blocks and staying in the shade.
One of the great (oft-repeated) experiences of my life was being spat at by orangutans. One mischeivous female now deceased would fill her mouth from the water dispenser and then spit a giant stream out at the care team. Sigh… I miss it.
I think Annie, Foxie, and Jamie are the big spitters on the older troupe. Looks like Gordito has you covered on the new side!
Looking at the comment above, I realized I’ve never seen video of Neggie spitting….with those fabulous lips, can you imagine how much she could hold onto!?
I loved seeing them dunk their chow!
And never realized how different Gordo’s face is until I saw this side profile. it’s “chata”, like pushed in/flat. Maybe that’s why he’s so darned cute!
I love the head down, bottom up approach. Does it taste better like that? I must try it!!
105 in Portland today, no a/c in my resudence. i’m having popsicles, watermelon and lemonade for dinner. if i had that tub of gatorade i’d sit in it.
ugh. I feel that. We’re only 76, but it feels like more.
Tip: a bowl of ice cubes in front of the fan will help. Go out for a salad. And carrot sticks and dip make an acceptable dinner
I saw Cle Elum had an Excessive Heat Warning today. Ugh! Regardless, the chimps look comfortable and cool thanks to all of you. And you have Gordo keeping you refreshed. Gordo is a thoughtful guy!
Stay cool over the next three days. All of you, caregivers and volunteers, physically work so hard all day long. I hope you prepare Gatorade slushies for your own refreshment. Keep those electrolytes in check. 😉 Thanks for every little caring detail you offer the residents.