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Larger Pond Acquired for Alligators |
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The alligators, especially Tick
Tock, have outgrown their winter quarters. We purchased a larger indoor pond
for him; however, someone had to dig the smaller pond out and make the hole
deeper and wider in order to install the new pond. Thankfully two volunteers,
Tim and Travis, stepped up to do the hard work of digging. In one day, they
had the work done--just in time for the cold nights. Within a few days Tick
Tock was using the new, larger pond. |
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Romeo and Acorns |
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Romeo is a pot-bellied pig who lives
on the outside of the mountain lion, Tonka’s, enclosure. He lives an easy
life with ample food, water, and wild grape. Our wild grape has dwindled with
the cold nights, so he has been on the hunt for some other treat. The acorns
have proven to be his favorite replacement; however, there are none in his
part of the enclosure. He managed to push through the plastic safety fence in
the viewing area and get into the larger compound area where he has access to
unlimited acorn. To keep him in his enclosure, we had to repair and reinforce
his fencing. We also have been providing him with acorns. Again, we want to
thank volunteers for the hours it took to do the work and for collecting the
acorn. |
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Mountain Lion Loft Project |
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We have completed the loft for
Tonka, our mountain lion. The platform is built and the new roof is over the
structure to protect it from the sun and rain. We appreciate all the help
from Sean Fedor. We are in the process of welding a doorway/double entry and
a sliding door leading to the main enclosure. Tonka has been helping and is
very curious. He climbs up the poor beleaguered trees in the enclosure to get
a better look. Once the door systems are welded into place, we need to adapt
a set of stairs to help him get up to the loft (though I doubt he will need
much help). The loft is an additional feature and will give him some sense of
privacy when he wants to avoid people. He does this now by retreating into
his cave or his bedroom. However, mountain lions prefer to be above people
where they have a better vantage point. The loft will also give the trees in
the enclosure a much-needed break. It’s tough trying to support an over 100 pound cat! |
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Sign Renovation |
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We have finally managed to replace
our old Critter Creek sign with a new one. Our original sign was carved on a
plank of wood and suspended over our front entrance. Over decades the wood
began to rot and the woodpeckers had a field day. It became so weak, it had
to be taken down. We renovated the entrance to allow a vehicle with a trailer
to enter the drive without sticking out into the road. Once the entrance and
electric gate were installed, it was time to decide on a sign. We actually
started a slate shingle sign but the sand blasting wasn’t practical. The
entrance sign languished for many years, but we finally found someone to help
us with the design and fabrication of the sign. We want to thank Darryl Hofer
and Chad Spray at D.H.Machine
in Orange Cove for the metal work, Hector Chapa for the paint job on such
short notice, and Lyle Metcalf for lending his truck and expertise lifting
the sign into place. We were able to incorporate the eagle and coyote from
our old sign into the new one. At the end of August
the sign was completed and mounted. |
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