Monkey Island Renovation
Pool was emptied and ready for demolition by 9/17/08.
Old poles and enrichmnet apparatus was removed and wall cutting began on
9/17/08.
Rocks came crumbling down and the old holding structure revealed
on 9/20/08.
All the old pool floor, rocks and walls were removed by 9/24. Several sand
stone rocks that were in good shape were salvaged and set aside to be used
in the landscaping of the new exhibit.
By 10/08/08 the wall is clear and the new island layout was staked out.
The old holding structure came down with great difficultly. It was definitely
build to last. The cut out sections where three viewing pods allow guests
to get closer to the animals are evident.
The curbing that will be the outside perimeter of the island is being formed
on 10/15/08.
Great scaffolding is erected along the wall of the Tropics Bu7ilding to
aid in the formation of the waterfall and upper planter by 10/17/08.
The gunite rock forms are being created. This wire and re-rod bending are
the frame work for what will eventually be naturalistic rock formations.
These forms will be shot (sprayed) with concrete near the end of the week
ending November 1 (10/22/08).
The stream in the middle of the island is formed ready for concrete (10/22/08).
The concrete is being applied to the exhibit to form the rocks, stream and waterfall. This type of concrete is called gunite. Gunite is made by pumping concrete through a hose and mixing it with compressed air before it is ‘shot’ in place. It is then carved artistically into the form that is desired, before it is fully hardened. We were very lucky to have a warm spell in November to aid in the process (11/03/08).
The concrete has dried and the rock and stream have taken shape. Now the process to complete the artistic work is taking place by adding color to the formations to give a more realistic impression (11/06/08).
Note the poles are place by now. The poles will give the structure for ropes and netting to give the spider monkeys as much mobility in the air as possible. These poles are upwards of 20’ leaned precariously for form and function, carefully placed as to not create a launching point out of the exhibit. We worked closely with the architects and animal staff (11/07/08).
The landscaping is beginning. Not only are the plants there to aid in the overall aesthetics of the exhibit, but they will provide enrichment to the animals. Because of this, the plants were selected with the help of our zoo horticulturist and approved by animal management to make sure that if the plant parts are ingested, they will not cause problems for the animals (11/13/08). Work has been halted for the winter and will resume as soon as weather permits.
Snow moved in and stayed for ever this winter. But as soon as the weather broke, ropes and netting were added to the poles out on the island and trees were created.As the weather warmed up, the grass greened up and they were able to pour the concrete bottom. Over 80 cubic yards of concrete was poured in one day.
In the past few weeks (April) the exhibit has neared completion. The educational nodes have taken shape, a handrail lines the edges and the final landscape is installed. All leading up to the pool filling and the four waterfalls that will cascade water along 40’ of the exhibit walls. The exhibit is nearly ready for the monkeys.
