Comments On: Center for Orangutan and Chimpanzee Conservation

Center for Orangutan and Chimpanzee Conservation P.O. Box 488 Wauchula, FL 33873
Fax (941) 767-8904 (941) 767-8903
This has been a year of challenges, growth; and accomplishments for us as we've worked to make our dream of creating a great ape sanctuary finally materialize. We've been inundated with' projects, changes, and new adjustments and haven't sent out a member newsletter for some time. So, I'd like to update you with what's been happening with this sanctuary project. (Our next newsletter is finally in the works and will be mailed out this fall.)
The exciting news is that after eight months of construction, our Center is close to completing its first phase. Pongo and the other apes were moved into their new habitats four months ago and seem to love their beautiful new 30' tall geodesic-domed enclosures. They've adjusted very well to a slower pace in this forest setting. Their outdoor habitats have natural oak tree logs for climbing, ropes and vines for swinging, tall grasses to relax in, and many enrichment toys. The indoor night houses are heated for the winter with large hammocks to sleep in... and they're built to withstand hurricanes!
In addition to building the two ape habitats and night houses, we've been working at a frantic pace to make all of the necessary repairs to the staff house and office as well as improvements to the property. We've needed to install perimeter fencing, new wells, water pumps, and septic tanks for the animal facilities. We're also building a bridge over the creek to connect the orangutan and chimpanzee areas.
The new sanctuary has numerous exotic plants, fruit and palm trees, and lush ferns already growing on the site. A flowing creek provides a tropical setting very similar to the natural habitat of apes in the wild. It's a lovely property but needed quite a bit of clean-up. Volunteers have helped us bring the grounds back to pristine condition. They've removed old junked cars and appliances and also cleaned out a historic 1900's barn. Thanks to our volunteers' hard work, it is a virtual rainforest now, especially as the recent Florida fires did not reach Wauchula, and summer rains have helped our lush vegetation.
The tragic news is that one of our orangutans, Ruby, was diagnosed late last fall with cancer and died in January. It was a tremendous blow to everyone involved with and we miss her greatly. However, we're comforted by the thought that in her last months, she made several trips to Wauchula spending some happy days at the new sanctuary before the other apes arrived. She loved the ride up here and enjoyed her fern woods, rearranging pebbles by the creek, and climbing some of the big oak while she was still feeling well. Ruby's presence is still strong in our hearts and she'll always be part of this sanctuary.
Please write or call for a map and directions. Pongo and friends love to see visitors.
Patti Ragan Director.
Brad and Trouble
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Brad,
Just wanted to drop you a line and say hello. Nice to see someone as involved as you in primate care.

Sincerely,

Bob
Nashua, NH
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I think that this is a good idea.
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I would like an update as to your progress and if you are accepting visitors yet? I am a professional primate & animal artist in California.
Thank you.
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I'm not sure that this message will reach Patty, but I wanted to say hello. I really miss Pongo, Christopher, Grub, Kenya & Noel. I want to Thank you again, Patty, for giving me the opportunity to begin my career with primates. Though my work with you was short lived, I enjoyed it very much. Being able to stay at Parrot Jungle after you left
was because of the belief you had in me from the start. I am back in Nebraska now, and have found some great people who have an exotic animal sanctuary. We use the animals for educational programs at schools and also do some work with Mutual of Omaha. So far, I have been able to work with Siberian and Bengal tigers and Black bear cubs. They also have snow monkies which will be having their babies next month. Thank you again, Patty, for having faith and believing in me.

Your friend,
Brandi Talich
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Hi, I just got done reading this and I feel really sorry that she died of cancer. I finally found some other people that are interested in primates as well as I am. Thanks for reading this

Bye,

A.B.

Question: Where can I find some information on some schools that can help me get a job with animals? I've checked out a lot of schools on the internet but they really don't tell me anything. Just wondering if you can help. This may not be a knid of place that questions can be asked and answered. Thanks...
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Wefully support this amazing organization. Congratulations, Patti, on your amazing accoplishment!
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where are the pics
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BRAD.

AM SO SORRY ABOUT RUBY.WE HAVE A 3YR OLD M CHIMP.WE LOVE HIM VERY MUCH.IF SOMETHING WERE TO HAPPEN TO HIM--OH I CANT THINK ABOUT THAT.SO SORRY.JUST HAVE TO THANK GOD YOU HAD HER AS LONG AS YOU DID.

BUBBIEJAN

do you know how to get in the monkey chat room??
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My son is crazy over animals. What other sites do you recommend that we could look up animal facts which show pictures too. Marilyn Moran
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monkayz are funny
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Hi Patti,I also wish to thank you for letting me and my folks work with you.I know it's only once a year,but you have made a childhood dream come true.We're so looking forward to working with you again in September.The offer still stands,I work for cheap!!! All our love to your kids!!!!! Thanks,Lisa Payne
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MONKIES SUCK d
i
c
k

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Chimps rule

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I like this site very much it has all kind of info.
AND WHAZZ UP!!!!! JUSTIN PERRIGAN
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Monkeys are good in bed
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I'm the biggest APE/MONKEY LOVER u ever seen don't believe me write 2 me @ Kmns910@aol.com
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just wanted to check summat. bye!!!!
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