Enriching Our Residents' Lives

Many of our residents are enjoying improved enclosures, thanks to the efforts of the Center's staff, volunteers, and interns. Here are some 2010 highlights:

The keepers step into a safety cage area at the door; the rest of the building is filled with fun enrichment for the kinks’ enjoyment.

The 2 kinkajou couples now have fabulous winter quarters – which they moved into as the first snow of the season blanketed the compound. This will allow these nocturnal residents plenty of room to play during the cold winter nights. Many thanks to Claude and Amy Bittle for purchasing the buildings (coincidentally, the move happened on a significant day: Happy Birthday, Amy!), to Ron Stinner and Jesse Anderson for the many hours of work they put into the winter quarters, and to one of our iContact work groups for all of their help on the final push to get the kink houses completed. Everyone at the Center is relieved to see Rink, Raul, Abigail, and Alico enjoying their cozy new enclosures.

Photograph by Kim Pyne

Our 3 foxes have moved from an open space to luxurious quarters in the woods in small compound. We (and they) have long awaited this upgrade, which required clearing trees and lots of other hard labor. When they arrived – with short notice – at the Center, we had to place their cage in an available open space. Shy by nature, they weren't thrilled about their high-visibility location. But their new woodsy home seems to suit them just fine. The keepers have noticed a change in their personalities, and visitors are more likely to see them out and about, romping over and under their multi-level platforms and through their hide-and-seek tunnels.

Taz Lynx now lives in a large, wooded enclosure. He is clearly enjoying his new multi-level platform and all the space he has to roam before he plops down. Our majestic old guy isn't exactly running laps around his enclosure, but his fans have noted that he moves around more than he did in his last home, where he spent much of his time draped on his park bench. The bench did move with him, but he rarely uses it now; there are too many other cool places for him to hang out.

Little One and Sahara Jungle Cats, moved into a gorgeous new enclosure. Outfitted with the most creative enrichment in the compound, this home has been a winner for Little One and Sahara. You may have to strain a bit to spot them hiding in their tunnels, or peering out from their penthouse den boxes. Our clever enrichment architect, Amy Bittle, also opted to leave lots of butterfly bushes in their enclosure. Peek under one and you may find Sahara contently napping, with butterflies flitting overhead.

Most visitors never saw the elusive Oliver Binturong before he moved into his new enclosure in the woods (formerly occupied by Archer Binturong). Oliver previously lived amongst the small cats' cages, which didn't seem to suit him. He spent much of his time in his den box, hiding from the world. Soon after he moved to his new enclosure, he started foraying out into the world a bit more. Eventually he discovered that his new home has lots of wonderful vantage points up high, where arboreal animals belong. Now he spends most of his time on his highest platform, or his cozy tire swing. Oliver has had quite a personality change since he adjusted to his spacious quarters. He's still kind of grumpy, but he's more and more accepting of his admirers - especially those bearing treats!

Archer Binturong seemed lonely and out of sorts after he lost his companion, Kimmie. His enclosure in the woods had clearly lost its charm for him. Like Oliver, Archer had a personality change when he moved into his new enclosure, which is on the tour path. While Oliver yearned for solitude, Archer craved attention. Formerly considered a somewhat aggressive binturong, Archer is now a personable fellow who enjoys all of the attention (and treats) he receives from staff, volunteers, adopters, and visitors passing by.

Jacob is intrigued by Tia

Jacob Tiger has moved to the enclosure beside Tia Tiger. Jacob is thrilled to have so much more shade to lounge in. He is pleased all his favorite toys made the trip over with him. Tia is skeptical of the new tiger next door because the last tiger boy who lived there - the mischievous Arthur - used to splash her with water.

Jacob's move opened much-needed space for the lion brothers, Thomas and Ra - who are now on the tour path! They love the sunny space their new habitat provides and are having great fun running and hiding in the grass. Thomas is fascinated by the wolf pack, which he can see from the top of his tall platform. Ra thinks Tigra is especially interesting. Although Bella Tiger isn't certain she likes having male lions so close by, Kira Lioness is delighted not to be the only lion amongst the tigers. Arthur Tiger (Kira's companion) is a little put out that Thomas and Ra are stealing some of his attention.

But Wait - There's More!

Other compound improvements that benefit both animals and humans include:

• A picnic pavilion near our tour area. This is a great gathering place for visitors, and is currently where we host birthday parties.
• Cages are better protected against falling trees and the septic field for the new building has been cleared, thanks to the chain-saw crew.
• Many loads of sand and gravel have been moved into most of the big cat cages, as well as those of the wolves and the New Guinea singing dogs.
• Our dirt road is easier to maneuver now that potholes have been filled and the entire road has been smoothed out.
• Safe, convenient access for heating pads this winter in small compound as a result of much trenching and running of wire.

Thanks to Everyone Involved

Our Director of Animal Care, Janine Tokarczyk, isn't just great with animals; she used to be a structural engineer. That's why you'll see her leading work groups on cage construction and other compound improvements. Janine and other leaders (including founder, Doug Evans; keepers Carolyn Hinshaw and John David Wagner; construction volunteers, Steve Simmons, Christa Donofrio, Christy LaMountain, Betsy Carlton, Amy and Claude Bittle, Ron Stinner, and Scott Bogue) have had a productive year with the help of our regular volunteer workforce, interns, and work groups from iContact, the NCSU Pre-Vet and Zoology Clubs, High Point University, Elon University, and Duke University.