2018 COMPLETED PROJECTS

Larger Pond Acquired for Alligators
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.
Romeo and Acorns
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.
Mountain Lion Loft Project
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!
Sign Renovation
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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