subject: Phoenix Area Air Conditioning & HVAC Company, Orangutan Home Services, Makes Generous Donation to Phoenix Zoo [print this page] Phoenix Area Air Conditioning & HVAC Company, Orangutan Home Services, Makes Generous Donation to Phoenix Zoo
Visit The New Orangutan Exhibit at the Phoenix Zoo!
Beginning in April, zoo visitors will be able to see the orangutans year-round in a new, state-of-the-art habitat! The new habitat was made possible by a half-million-dollar gift from Orangutan Home Services, a Tempe-based contractor providing heating, air conditioning, plumbing and home security services throughout the Phoenix area.
"This gift is huge for us," said Bert Castro, the zoo's CEO and president. "Our old facility was dilapidated and didn't meet the standards we're striving for in terms of building a world-class park."
The gift is part cash, and part materials and manpower over five years. Orangutan Home Services will provide the air conditioning and heating for the habitat.
Even animals at the zoo need relief from weather extremes. And thanks to Orangutan Home Services, the orangutans will now have access to climate controlled indoor enclosures where they can rest and relax in comfort. This is important because animals in captivity are accustomed to having access to air conditioning and heating - even species that hail from the tropics.
"We're grateful for their dedication to the zoo, along with their dedication to conserving the orangutan," Castro said. "That type of philanthropic support is essential."*
The new home will enhance the orangutan's environment by giving them a half acre, enrichment tree and sway pole, allowing the orangutans the natural experience of being up in the air. Other enhancements on the grounds include a water feature, heating and air-conditioning, private bedrooms, play structures for climbing and swinging, and grass. Incorporating these ideas, into the exhibit, will allow visitors to experience the orangutans in a much more naturalistic environment.
"This will be an opportunity to have a natural place and a lot of room to run around and have a great time," Castro said.*
Orangutan Home Services co-owner Jordy Tessler commented, "Our slogan is Improve Your Habitat,' so for us this is a small step in the right direction, and it's certainly the right thing to do to protect these incredible creatures."
"It's just a magical thing that we (the company and zoo) are able to work together. The timing worked out so well for both of us." noted Tessler.
