Ziggy the coyote just received a major upgrade to her living space! This project was less of a small improvement, and more like a full home renovation.
After about two weeks of dedicated work by our Facilities Team, Ziggy now has a completely refreshed enclosure designed around her needs, behavior, and favorite activities. Although the structure itself was built over that two-week period, it had to be assembled in a single day while Ziggy was out of her enclosure and receiving her annual exam at the Veterinary Hospital. This timeline made the project uniquely challenging, due to the fact that so much of the preparation had to be done in advance to ensure the final installation could go smoothly, safely, and efficiently within that tight window.
The centerpiece of the project is a large new climbing structure with a built-in shelter. It gives Ziggy new ways to climb, explore different heights, rest and relax comfortably, and stay mentally and physically active throughout the day.
A big focus of the design was making the space easier to navigate. Our Animal Care Team previously noticed that Ziggy would occasionally struggle when jumping onto her previous platforms, so every level of the new structure now includes ramps. This allows her to seamlessly move throughout her space, without losing access to the elevated areas she enjoys.
Another important improvement was comfort during Arizona’s hot summers. Before this project, Ziggy didn’t have a consistent shaded area to cool down in, so the new structure provides plenty of built-in shade beneath and within the shelter. At the same time, the design preserves wide open ground space underneath, giving her room to run and be her wild self.
To make the “renovation” feel complete, the animal care team also added a couple of elevated dog beds- one positioned near the front of the enclosure for lounging and observing her surroundings, and another tucked inside the shelter for quieter rest.
As with any remodel, a few older features had to go. Several logs, toys, and a platform along the tour route were removed. While that viewing spot was familiar, its removal opens up more natural ground space for Ziggy to use in the way she prefers.
At its core, this project wasn’t just about new structures- it was about improving Ziggy’s day-to-day life, giving her more variety, comfort, and ways to stay active and engaged while she remains a permanent resident at the Sanctuary.
May, 2026