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Status:
Summary |
Progress |
Plans
Thanks to the generosity of numerous
donors, over $2 million has been raised towards the completion
of the Gorilla Sanctuary on the 70 acres of land made available
by Maui Land and Pineapple Company. The initial progress has
largely focused on the completion of essential infrastructure.
The land has been cleared, graded, and partially replanted.
A large reservoir to provide the necessary water for gorillas,
humans and vegetation has been created. Power has been provided
to this remote location, and the foundations needed for the
construction of first outdoor habitat have been poured.
We are currently in the process of revising the design to reduce
costs and increase environmental sustainability. This process
should lead to a new set of "reduced-cost" construction
bids later this year.
To enable Koko, Ndume and her caregivers to relocate to Maui,
we have launched a $3 million major gifts campaign. These donations
will provide for the construction of gorilla habitat, and adjoining
gorilla and staff houses. It will also provide relocation support,
and permit the transport of Koko and Ndumeís current cherished
living spaces from California to Hawaii. For further information
about this campaign, or to make a donation, contact Lorraine@koko.org.
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Status:
Summary |
Progress |
Plans
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2001-2004
- Initiated a second planting phase, introducing
a resilient grass as ground cover for the graded slopes
of the sanctuary Phase 1 site, to prevent erosion and prepare
for gorilla habitation.
- Completed the installation of electrical
utilities and lights, which will serve construction, habitation
and video broadcasting to the internet and visitor educatoin
center.
- Installed the foundations for the Phase
1 sanctuary's .5-acre enclosure (but not yet for the buildings).
- Designed the landscape and planted much
of the foliage to be used as windbreak, gorilla habitat
and as a food source ("browse farm").
- Installed an irrigation system to nourish
the lush vegetation within (and outside of) the enclosures,
and a drainage system to accommodate the intense rainy season.
Prior to 2001
- Held a traditional Hawaiian ground-blessing
ceremony to honor the earth and community in preparation
for the ground-breaking that followed.
- Cleared and graded 10 acres of land to
enable the construction of outdoor enclosures and buildings
(gorilla retreats) for Phases 1 and 2.
- Completed a detailed 3-phase gorilla-centric
design with a world-class great ape facility design
team.
- Developed an elevated water reservoir for
the entire facility.
- 70 acres of land in the beautiful hills
(at 1400 ft. elevation) of West Maui, Hawaii, provided by
the Maui Land and Pineapple Company.
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Status:
Summary |
Progress |
Plans
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- Revise and re-bid the current design for
increased efficiency and environmental sustainability
- Complete the gorilla sanctuary's .5-acre
outdoor enclosure
- Complete the small gorilla family building.
- Complete the semi-hexagonal interspecies
communication pagoda, and distributed video-camera system.
- Move Koko, Ndume and TGF research staff
to the Phase 1 Maui Sanctuary.
- Move small California enclosure and modular
buildings to Maui
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Ground-Breaking Ceremony (Press Release)
On Oct. 12, 2000, the Gorilla Foundation held a
private groundbreaking ceremony and blessing
at the newly graded site of the Allan G. Sanford
Gorilla Sanctuary.
The private groundbreaking was attended by
about 100 Hawaii-based friends and partners
of the Gorilla Foundation, including State Senator
Avery B. Chumbley, Mary Cameron Sanford,
representatives of the Governor's office and
many of the contractors, architects and engineers
working on the project.
The view from the mountain-top site was breathtaking,
and the group was truly moved by the vision of the sanctuary
described by the various speakers. The ceremony marked the
beginning of construction of the Phase 1 sanctuary,
to be completed as soon as possible.
Click on thumbnails to view larger images
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